CABINET OFFICE

Better Regulation

Peter Bone: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on progress on delivering the Government's better regulation agenda.

Jim Murphy: The Government remain on track to deliver the radical programme of regulatory reform set out in the March 2005 Budget and the Better Regulation Action Plan published in May 2005.
	The Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill will make it quicker and easier to reform out-dated, unnecessary or over-complicated legislation to bring about a risk-based approach to regulation.

Crown Copyright

Peter Law: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what restrictions are placed on the use made of materials released by Government Departments under Crown copyright.

Jim Murphy: The re-use of Crown copyright material is generally encouraged. The main restrictions on re-use include not using Crown copyright for the principal purpose of advertising or promoting a particular product or service; not presenting products as if they were issued on behalf of government; and not to present information in a way that could mislead the public.

Departmental Information

Roger Gale: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much was spent on the Department's public relations and information services in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Jim Murphy: Cabinet Office expenditure on public relations and information services in the last five years is shown in the table
	
		
			  Amount (£) 
		
		
			 2000–01 1,963,878 
			 2001–02 2,192,538 
			 2002–03 2,164,812 
			 2003–04 2,019,075 
			 2004–05 2,751,622 
		
	
	These figures comprise:
	the costs for running press office services for years 2000–01 to 2004–05;
	and the costs for web services, employing PR agencies and for setting up phone lines as part of advertising campaigns for the year 2004–05. The Cabinet Office does not hold central records for this activity before 1 April 2004, and to provide that information would result in disproportionate costs.

Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill

Mark Harper: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the powers proposed to be given to Ministers under the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill will enable the alteration of the rights of (a) freeminers and (b) commoners in the Forest of Dean.

Jim Murphy: The Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill will enable the reform of legislation—including both public general Acts and local Acts—by order. It will also enable reform of the common law by order but only where this is for the purpose of implementing a recommendation of one of the UK Law Commissions. The power to make such orders is subject to a number of conditions, including that the provision made by the order does not remove any necessary protection and does not prevent any person from continuing to exercise any right or freedom he might reasonably expect to continue exercising. Orders are also subject to procedural safeguards including public consultation and scrutiny and veto by parliamentary committees. The Government currently have no plans to reform the legislation which may affect the right of freemining, or to reform any rights of common which might exist in the Forest of Dean.

Trident

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will commission a report from the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit on the Trident nuclear deterrent; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: There are no plans for the Strategy Unit to undertake any work on the Trident nuclear deterrent.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Commonhold Tenures

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many (a) households and (b) developments have adopted commonhold tenures since the introduction of commonhold.

Harriet Harman: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for North East Hertfordshire (Mr. Heald) on 13 February 2006, Official Report, column 1590W.

Council Tax Valuations

Eric Pickles: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Meriden of 24 January 2006, Official Report, column 1943W, on council tax valuations, if she will list the property attribute that the Land Registry provides to the Valuation Office Agency.

Bridget Prentice: HM Land Registry provided property data to the Valuation Office Agency during 2005 for the reasons given in my answer to the hon. Member for Meriden on 24 January 2006. The data items supplied were as follows:
	title number of property or land
	the tenure (freehold or leasehold)
	the price paid (where available)
	the name of the registered proprietor(s)
	lease details (deed date, term, rent)
	property address, including town name
	property description (detached, flat etc)
	local authority name.
	Land Registry does not currently provide property data to the Valuation Office Agency.

Freedom of Information

Mike Hancock: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the (a) Information Commissioner's Office and (b) others on the 100 year closure rule and the Freedom of Information Act 2000; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: Ministers and officials in my Department meet regularly with the Information Commissioner's Office. These meetings cover a range of issues including the operation of the Freedom of Information Act. There have been no recent discussions specifically relating to the 100 year closure period.

Freedom of Information

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will take steps to ensure that the minutes of the board meetings of external organisations operating public services on behalf of local authorities are made available for public scrutiny.

Harriet Harman: Under section 5 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the FoI Act), external organisations operating public services on behalf of local authorities can be brought within the FoI Act. This would give the public a right to request the board meeting minutes where they related to the provision of the public services.
	Information relating to the provision of public services by local authority contractors is already available for public scrutiny. For example, the terms of the contract and performance of the contractor are open to inspection and inquiry by those authorities' overview and scrutiny committees. Meetings of, and documents considered by, a local authority committee are open to public access by virtue of provisions of the Local Government Act 1972. All information held by a local authority, including that provided by a contractor, is subject to the provisions of the FoI Act.
	No organisations have yet been brought within the FoI Act using section 5 of the FoI Act. We will assess whether the current levels of accountability enable sufficient public scrutiny of local authority contractors before considering whether a legislative approach is appropriate.

Freedom of Information

Bob Spink: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what assessment she has made of the implications of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for the release of the (a) 1911 and (b) 1921 census data; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: The implementation of the Freedom of Information Act has not altered government policy to make the decennial census returns publicly available after a period of 100 years. In line with this policy, the National Archives is developing plans to make the 1911 census available online to the widest possible audience in 2012. The 1921 census remains in the custody of the Office for National Statistics.

Freedom of Information

Bob Spink: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what total sum has been received by her Department for the provision of information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in its first year of operation.

Harriet Harman: None. My Department has not charged for information released under the Freedom of Information Act.

In-house Legal Services

Nick Brown: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs which proposals in the Compensation Bill will apply to in-house legal services provided by trades unions.

Bridget Prentice: Part 2 of the Compensation Bill provides the legislative base for introducing statutory regulation of claims management services. The primary aim is to regulate the activities of commercial claims management companies in certain sectors, to tackle bad practices and improve consumer safeguards. Where trades unions provide claims management services within a regulated sector, for example personal injury, they would be subject to regulation unless explicitly exempted—achieved by secondary legislation. The Government have indicated the intention to exempt trade unions, subject to the views of both Houses during the Bill's passage. We will take full account of concerns and other comments made in coming to a final decision on this issue.

Justice for All

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will make a statement on progress towards meeting the target set out in the Justice for All White Paper 2002 to establish a secure portal to enable victims to track their cases online by 31 December 2005; when she expects such a portal to be available in every criminal justice area; and what assessment she has made of the reasons for the delay in meeting the target.

Charles Clarke: I have been asked to reply.
	Following the concerns expressed by organisations representing victims and witnesses, and after victims and witnesses individually expressed a preference for dealing with trained intermediaries, it was considered inappropriate to deliver a secure internet service to enable victims to track their own case online, as defined in the Justice for All White Paper 2002. Instead, with Ministerial approval, an alternative solution was implemented. Following a successful pilot exercise, the No Witness No Justice" initiative was set up to provide Witness Care Units across England and Wales staffed by trained intermediaries, who understand the needs of victims and witnesses and are more responsive to their individual requirements.
	To support these Witness Care Units a new witness care management tool, called the Witness Management System, has been created. This provides trained Witness Care Unit officers with access to existing case data stored on the Crown Prosecution Service Case Management System, as well as the ability to search the system by witnesses and to add/amend case details relating to victims and witnesses. These officers can, therefore, provide both victims and witnesses with key information, not only about the progress of their case but also about how the CJS works and what the next steps are likely to be.
	The Witness Management System in use in 100 out of the 170 Witness Care Units in England and Wales and is already playing a key role in providing first class care for victims and witnesses. The roll-out to all Witness Care Units will be completed during the spring of 2006.

Land Registry

Eric Pickles: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether the Land Registry records whether a property purchaser is a first time buyer.

Bridget Prentice: Land Registry does not record this information.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

British Library

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much the British Library spent on purchasing (a) books, (b) stamps and (c) other items for collections in each of the last 10 years.

David Lammy: The British Library's expenditure on purchasing items for its collections over the last ten years was as follows:
	
		Expenditure(1) -- £ million
		
			  1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Books 2.82 2.54 3.24 3.02 3.22 
			 Serials 7.66 5.98 7.85 7.93 8.71 
			 Stamps 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Other collection items 1.09 1.14 2.67 1.11 1.42 
			 Total 11.57 9.66 13.75 12.06 13.34 
		
	
	
		
			  2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06(2) 
		
		
			 Books 3.21 3.03 3.01 3.01 
			 Serials 9.31 9.89 10.06 10.50 
			 Stamps 0 0 0 0 
			 Other collection items 1.76 2.29 2.72 2.49 
			 Total 14.28 15.22 15.80 16.00 
		
	
	(1) These figures have been rounded to the nearest 10,000.
	(2) Forecast.
	Notes:
	1. Other collection items" include manuscripts, music scores, maps, newspapers, patents, sound recordings, theses and print and drawings.
	2. Figures include both revenue and capital expenditure on acquisitions. Acquisitions expenditure arising from donations for purchase of major items is excluded due to its distorting effect on the figures.
	3. In 1998–99 budgetary pressures meant the library had to undertake a large programme of journal cancellations and stop buying books that were regarded of low-use or lesser research significance.
	4. In 1999–2000 the library was able to allocate more resources to acquisitions due to increased funding.
	5. Expenditure on stamps was zero because the library acquires philatelic material by donation, bequest, transfer from other organisations or by loan.
	6. A breakdown of expenditure in 1996–97 has not been provided because the information is only held in paper records which, if retrieved, would be unlikely to give the details requested. The total acquisitions expenditure for 1996–97 (excepting donations, as explained in note 2) is £13.7 million.

British Museum

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been spent on acquisitions at the British Museum in each of the last five years.

David Lammy: The British Museum has spent the following amounts on acquisitions in the last five years.
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 2000–01 9.275 
			 2001–02 17.847 
			 2002–03 2.238 
			 2003–04 6.578 
			 2004–05 1.163 
		
	
	This includes items purchased using the museum's funds, items given in lieu of inheritance tax, items purchased with the help of donations and items donated to the museum.

Burma

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what advice her Department has given to the Heritage Lottery Fund regarding sourcing timber from Burma.

David Lammy: My Department has not issued the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) with advice regarding the sourcing of timber from Burma, but has encouraged it to develop a policy on timber procurement with the assistance of the Central Point of Expertise on Timber. This is set out in guidance published by the HLF in January 2005.

Creative Partnerships Scheme

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of schools in England have received funding for arts education under her Department's Creative Partnership scheme in each year since the scheme began.

David Lammy: Creative Partnerships does not provide direct funding for arts education in schools. Creative Partnerships works with schools to provide children with the opportunity to explore their creativity, working with creative organisations and individuals. The proportion of schools that have benefited from Creative Partnerships up to 2004–05 is set out in the table:
	
		
			   Proportion of schools(3)(%) 
		
		
			 2002–03 1st Phase roll out—16 areas 1 
			 2003–04  2 
			 2004–05 2nd Phase roll out—9 further areas 3 
		
	
	(3) LEA maintained and non-maintained specialist schools.

Creative Partnerships Scheme

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the cost of administering the Creative Partnerships scheme has been in each year since the scheme began.

David Lammy: Creative Partnerships was established in 2002 in 16 areas and was expanded in a phased approach working in a total of 36 areas by September 2005.
	The administration costs of Creative Partnerships are set out in the table:
	
		
			  Costs including National Office (£ million) 
		
		
			 2001–02 0.24 
			 2002–03 2 
			 2003–04 4.52 
			 2004/-05 6.77

Creative Partnerships Scheme

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people are working on the Creative Partnerships scheme.

David Lammy: The number of staff currently employed to work directly on Creative Partnerships is 149.

Gambling Addiction

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department is taking to increase awareness of the dangers of gambling addiction in (a) Romford, (b) Havering and (c) England.

Richard Caborn: My Department is working closely with the Gambling Commission, the Responsibility in Gambling Trust, the Department of Health and others to address problem gambling through research, education and treatment.
	The Gambling Act 2005 places a duty on gambling operators to behave in a socially responsible manner. 'Social responsibility' will be an explicit licence condition, and operators will be expected to contribute to work on the prevention, identification and treatment of problem gambling through their own policies and practices and through their support for other bodies working on research, education and treatment.
	We plan to bring the Act fully into force with effect from September 2007.

International Sporting Events

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people from (a) her Department, (b) UK Sport, (c) Sport England and (d) the English Institute of Sport (i) have attended and (ii) are planning to attend the Turin Winter Olympics for (A) all and (B) part of the Games.

Richard Caborn: The information requested is set out in the tables.
	
		Number of people from each organisation who have either attended, or are planning to attend, the entirety of the Turin Winter Olympics to carry out their professional duties
		
			 Organisation Number of attendees 
		
		
			 Department for Culture, Media and Sport 0 
			 UK Sport 1 
			 Sport England 0 
			 English Institute of Sport 7 
		
	
	
		Number of people from each organisation who have either attended, or are planning to attend, part of the Turin Winter Olympics to carry out their professional duties
		
			 Organisation Number of attendees 
		
		
			 Department for Culture, Media and Sport 6 
			 UK Sport 4 
			 Sport England 0 
			 English Institute of Sport 2

International Sporting Events

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people from (a) her Department, (b) UK Sport, (c) Sport England and (d) the English Institute of Sport will attend all or part of the Commonwealth Games.

Richard Caborn: The information requested is set out in the tables.
	
		Number of people from each organisation who have either attended, or are planning to attend, the entirety of the Commonwealth Games to carry out their professional duties
		
			 Organisation Number of attendees 
		
		
			 Department for Culture, Media and Sport 0 
			 UK Sport 3 
			 Sport England 0 
			 English Institute of Sport 24 
		
	
	
		Number of people from each organisation who have either attended, or are planning to attend, part of the Commonwealth Games to carry out their professional duties
		
			 Organisation Number of attendees 
		
		
			 Department for Culture, Media and Sport 6 
			 UK Sport 4 
			 Sport England 6 
			 English Institute of Sport 5

Libraries

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the overall level of library books stocked in England was at 1 January in each of the past 10 years.

David Lammy: The Public Library Statistics, published by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy for the past 10 financial years shows the following level of public library book stock held over the last 10 years:
	
		
			  Public Library Book Stock (England) 
		
		
			 1995–96 105,384,000 
			 1996–97 103,305,000 
			 1997–98 99,576,000 
			 1998–99 98,101,000 
			 1999–2000 96,644,000 
			 2000–01 94,372,000 
			 2001–02 92,434,000 
			 2002–03 90,637,000 
			 2003–04 87,091,000 
			 2004–05 84,546,000

Libraries

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many library books have been purchased in England in each of the past 10 years.

David Lammy: The Public Library Statistics, published by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy for the past 10 financial years shows the following level of public library book acquisitions in England over the last 10 years:
	
		
			  Public Library Books Purchased (England) 
		
		
			 1995–96 9,527,757 
			 1996–97 8,814,444 
			 1997–98 8,503,131 
			 1998–99 8,965,849 
			 1999–2000 8,936,896 
			 2000–01 9,184,597 
			 2001–02 9,193,571 
			 2002–03 9,943,280 
			 2003–04 9,943,384 
			 2004–05 9,931,344 
		
	
	The figures show that public libraries are acquiring more books than they were 10 years ago with, as more factual and reference material becomes available on the internet, a bias towards more fiction works. There was a significant increase in acquisitions from 2002–03 onwards coinciding with the introduction of the public library standards in England.

Libraries

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she is taking to assist local authorities in maintaining library assets.

David Lammy: Library assets are part of an authority's estate in the same way as any other council service. DCMS has no special funding available for maintaining such assets.
	Nevertheless, in recent years, around £130 million of Government PFI credits have been allocated to projects that are wholly or partly public library based. These will help to create assets of real community value.
	I also welcome the Big Lottery Fund's £80 million public library strand of its new community learning programme that will create new and improved libraries for local people to enjoy and to become involved with.

Libraries

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent guidance her Department has issued to local authorities on the management and running of local libraries.

David Lammy: Framework for the Future, published by DCMS in February 2003, was the first ever national public library strategy document. It aimed to encourage public libraries geared to the needs of 21st century users.
	In September 2003, the Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) published a three-year action plan intended to address some of the issues identified in the Framework" document. MLA issues detailed guidance material on public library matters as and when it thinks it appropriate.

Libraries

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what targets her Department set for local authorities for the management of local libraries in 2005–06.

David Lammy: In 2005–06 the 149 public library authorities are being asked to report on their conformity with, or on their progress to meet, the 10 Public Library Service Standards. Coinciding with the introduction of the standards, we have seen significant improvements in core library provision particularly in the areas of opening hours, material acquisitions and ICT provision.
	The standards form part of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment's Culture Block along with four additional library indicators on the number of active borrowers; resident satisfaction with the library service; stock level/stock-turn, and cost per visit.
	In addition, for the first time in 2005–06, those authorities are being asked to report on their position against 16 indicators which make up the Public Library Impact Measures. This baseline information will be used to set targets for 2006–07 for those indicators that prove to be robust. The Impact Measures help to highlight libraries' contribution to wider community agendas as reflected in the shared priorities of central and local government.

Libraries

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether her Department has issued best value targets to local authorities on the management of local libraries.

David Lammy: The Public Library Service Standards have been adopted as part of the suite of Best Value Performance Indicators. Authorities were asked to work towards a score of 18 or more points out of 20 to move into the four" category.
	Previously issued BVPIs relate to the numbers of library visits; satisfaction with finding or reserving a particular item or piece of information and, general satisfaction with a library service as part of an authority's overall cultural and recreational activities. The aim of these BVPIs is to encourage year on year performance improvement.

Libraries

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what best value performance indicators her Department uses for local authorities with regard to local libraries.

David Lammy: DCMS's primary assessment of the performance of the 149 library authorities in England is through the Public Library Service Standards. The standards have now been incorporated into a Best Value Performance Indicator within the national suite of BVPIs as well as becoming part of the libraries data feeding into the Comprehensive Performance Assessment Framework.

Lost Property (Royal Parks)

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the (a) level and (b) source was of departmental income arising from unclaimed lost property in the Royal parks in the last period for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement.

David Lammy: When the Royal parks constabulary policed the Royal parks, unclaimed lost property was auctioned off periodically and the income from sales went to the Royal parks. Income from lost property for 2003–04, the last year that the Royal parks constabulary policed the parks, amounted to £2,574. The income for 2003–04 came from two sources, Lloyds International Auction Galleries (£2,282) and cash found in the parks (£292).
	The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) took over policing the Royal parks in April 2004. Since then unclaimed lost property has been dealt with centrally and that which is saleable is eventually auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the Police Benevolent Fund.

Monuments and Statues

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much central Government funding has been used to establish new monuments and statues in (a) Romford, (b) Havering and (c) Greater London in each of the last seven years.

David Lammy: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is not aware of any central Government funding used to establish new monuments and statues in (a) Romford and (b) Havering between 1999 and the present.
	During the period from 1999 to the present, the following monuments and statues, all of which have been, or are planned to be erected in Greater London, have been funded either directly or indirectly by central Government:
	DCMS contributed £611,502 towards the cost of the 11 September Memorial Gardens in Grosvenor Square, opened on 11 September 2003;
	DCMS contributed £3,862,800 and The Royal Parks Agency £1,384,566 towards the cost of the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, opened in July 2004;
	Arts Council England contributed £80,000 towards the statue of Alison Lapper on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square in 2004–05;
	The Women of World War II Memorial Fund secured a grant of £934,115 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund for the erection of the memorial, which was unveiled in 2005;
	The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has committed £266,000 towards the cost of a memorial to the victims of the Bali bombings. £10,000 has been spent to date;
	HM Treasury has allocated £2 million to finance the proposed statue of the Queen Mother statue, which will be funded by the proceeds of a £5 coin being issued by the Royal Mint in 2006 to commemorate the 80th birthday of Her Majesty The Queen;
	HM Treasury announced on 13 February 2006 that they stand ready to play a part in funding a memorial to those who lost their lives in the 7 July attacks on London, but funding will be finalised following consultation with the bereaved families and decisions on the style and location of the memorial.
	Furthermore, in March 2005 the Chancellor announced the Memorials Grants scheme, which returns to charities and faith groups the equivalent of the VAT incurred in erecting and maintaining memorial structures. The scheme has been operational since November and funding of £5 million p.a. is available until 2008. On 16 December 2005, £3,325.90 was paid towards the construction of a memorial to the Siege of Malta in Tower Place, Tower Hill, City of London. Currently, no payments have been made for structures in Romford or Havering under this scheme.

National Gallery

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much funding was provided by her Department to the National Gallery in each of the past seven years.

David Lammy: Grant in Aid allocated by DCMS to the National Gallery over the past seven years was:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 1998–99 18.69 
			 1999–2000 19.48 
			 2000–01 19.21 
			 2001–02 19.95 
			 2002–03 20.45 
			 2003–04 20.45 
			 2004–05 21.23 
			 2005–06 21.99 
		
	
	Funds are also available to DCMS sponsored museums through specific project funding streams. The National Gallery has received Strategic Commissioning funding to promote partnerships with regional museums as follows:
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 2003–04 300,000 
			 2004–05 80,000 
			 2005–06 160,000 
		
	
	In 2004–05 the National Gallery was also awarded £296,300 from the DCMS/Wolfson Foundation Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund.

Olympic Funding

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what public funding she expects will be needed to establish each sporting arena for the 2012 Olympics.

Richard Caborn: The most up to date breakdown of the costs of the sporting arenas needed for the 2012 Olympic games and Paralympic games was published in table 6.6.2b of London 2012's candidate file which was submitted to the International Olympic Committee in November 2004. This is available on the website of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic games:
	www.london2012.com/en/news/publications/Candidatefile/.
	Figures shown in the candidate file are given at 2004 prices. The funding package for the games allows for inflation in venue costs of 37.18 percent.

Olympic Funding

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what public funds have been allocated to the British Olympic ski team in each of the last seven years.

Richard Caborn: Since 1999, the Government and national lottery distributors have allocated a total of £2,743,502 to the British ski team, which includes snowboarding.
	The funding has been allocated to individual athletes directly, and to Snowsport Scotland and Snowsport GB, the National Governing Bodies for skiing and snowboarding.
	The precise allocation of Exchequer and lottery funding for the British ski team, through UK Sport and SportScotland, is set out in the two tables.
	
		UK Sport -- £
		
			  Lottery Exchequer Total 
		
		
			 1999–2000 Nil 186,000 186,000 
			 2000–01 56,722 160,000 216,722 
			 2001–02 140,170 160,000 300,170 
			 2002–03 205,554 160,000 365,554 
			 2003–04 254,850 169,998 424,848 
			 2004–05 236,368 126,668 363,036 
			 2005–06 262,116 160,000 422,116 
		
	
	
		SportScotland -- £
		
			  Lottery Exchequer Total 
		
		
			 19992000 59,902 Nil 59,902 
			 2000–01 51,792 Nil 51,792 
			 2001–02 40,554 Nil 40,554 
			 2002–03 37,731 Nil 37,731 
			 2003–04(4) 52,000 Nil 52,000 
			 2004–05 108,447 Nil 108,447 
			 2005–06 114,630 Nil 114,630 
		
	
	(4) From 2003–04 onwards, the total figure includes funding for a national coaching post. The amount given for this post was £27,247 in 2003–04, £40,000 in 2004–05 and £56,000 in 2005–06.

Sports Facilities (Havering)

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the provision of sports facilities in Havering; and what improvements are planned over the next five years.

Richard Caborn: Sport England's active places database shows there are 10 swimming facilities and 15 sports halls in Havering—this includes public, private and school facilities.
	Since 1994, this Department and lottery distributing bodies have invested over £5.5 million in sports facilities in Havering.
	We are unable to predict what investment will be given to Havering over the next five years but all funding requests for sports facilities will be given due consideration and assessed in line with the priorities outlined in the Regional Sports Board plan.

Swimming

Anne Snelgrove: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action she is taking to support the provision of public swimming baths in (a) Swindon and (b) England.

Richard Caborn: Access to good quality sporting provision, including swimming pools, is an essential part of enabling people to lead healthier lives and to participate in sport. There are currently over 4,400 swimming facilities across England which are open to the public. Since 1997 Government and Lottery distributing bodies between them have invested over £3billion in physical activity and sport, and in that time £249 million of Lottery investment has gone to swimming—the largest amount given to any sport. Sport England has a swimming strategy in place and is working with local authorities to help them implement it. I understand that Sport England are in discussion with Swindon Council about the needs assessment that the Council is undertaking which includes examining its swimming provision.

Tour de France

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the benefits to the UK of staging the grand depart of the 2007 Tour de France.

Richard Caborn: The Tour de France is the world's largest annual sporting event. Transport for London who have been leading this project on behalf of the Mayor of London assess that there will be a number of benefits to the UK as a result of London winning the right to host the 2007 grand depart. These include a range of sporting benefits, such as a nationwide increase in cycling participation, an improvement in the health of the nation to help to combat obesity and enhancing the UK's reputation as a host of major international sporting events.
	It is also expected the tour will generate an immediate economic benefit of an estimated £70 million through increased visitor numbers over the three day period.

Union Flag

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport under what authority the Department issues rules for flying the Union Flag on Government buildings; why such displays are limited to 18 days a year; and if she will make a statement.

David Lammy: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is responsible for issuing the rules for hoisting the Union Flag on Government buildings. The rules are approved by the Queen on advice from the Department.
	The Union Flag is flown on Government buildings to mark the Birthdays of members of the Royal Family undertaking official duties and specific national events including Remembrance Day, Europe Day, St. George's Day, Her Majesty's Accession and Wedding Day. The Union Flag is also flown on other occasions not listed in the rules, for example for State Visits, by special command from Her Majesty.
	There are no plans at present to change this. However individuals and local authorities and other organisations can fly the Union Flag whenever they wish, subject to compliance with local planning requirements.

DEFENCE

Afghanistan

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) nurses, (b) doctors and (c) dentists will accompany the deployment to Afghanistan.

Adam Ingram: The medical element of the deployment to Afghanistan has been structured to satisfy the operational requirement. On current plans it will include 70 nurses, 21 doctors and three dentists. These will be supported by a further 79 medical staff and 107 support personnel. This requirement will be kept under review.
	UK forces will also have access to multinational medical facilities based in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the authorities in (a) Iran and (b) Pakistan on reducing the flow of (i)drugs, (ii) arms and (iii) unauthorised people from Pakistan to Afghanistan.

Kim Howells: I have been asked to reply.
	We have an ongoing dialogue with Iran and Pakistan on such issues. Our ambassador in Kabul most recently discussed these issues during a visit to Islamabad in February 2006. In May 2005 Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials met representatives of the Afghan and Iranian Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Kabul for trilateral consultations on counter-narcotics co-operation and regional economic co-operation. The Afghanistan/Pakistan/US Tripartite Commission regularly addresses a range of common security issues. Over 3.5 million refugees have returned to Afghanistan since 2001, the huge majority from Iran and Pakistan.

Aircraft Cannibalisation

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 30 January 2006, Official Report, column 29W, on aircraft cannibalisation, how many (a) C-130 Hercules, (b) Tristars, (c) VC-10s and (d) C-17A Globemaster aircraft have been taken out of service as a consequence of cannibalisations in each of the last three years.

Adam Ingram: Cannibalisation is a recognised method of the removal of serviceable part(s) from an aircraft which is already unserviceable or due to enter scheduled engineering servicing, during which time the cannibalised parts will not be required. Only in exceptional circumstances would a serviceable aircraft be cannibalised.
	In 2005, there were five instances where serviceable C130J Mk 5 aircraft were cannibalised to satisfy an immediate spares requirement for a C130J Mk 4 (stretched) aircraft as these were more appropriate for the operational task required at the time. For the C130K there were no instances of cannibalisation of serviceable aircraft in 2005. Records for both C130 J and K aircraft are not held for 2003 and 2004. Although information is held on the number of cannibalisation occurrences for Tristars, VC-10s and C-17A Globemaster aircraft, it does not record whether the losing aircraft was serviceable, unserviceable or in scheduled maintenance.

Ammunition

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many rounds of ammunition were dumped because of quality issues in the last 12 months and from which (a) country of origin and (b) company such ordnance was supplied.

Adam Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 25 January 2006, Official Report, column 2129W.

Disability (Armed Forces)

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government are taking to ensure the housing needs of former members of the armed forces who are disabled are met; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: I have been asked to reply.
	Members of the armed forces who are disabled may apply for housing to any local authority, and may also seek accommodation from a Registered Social Landlord. Housing authorities are responsible for setting their own allocation policies and procedures. However, they must ensure that their allocation scheme is framed so as to give reasonable preference to certain categories of persons, including people who need to move on medical and welfare grounds. Legislation has recently been amended to make clear that medical and welfare" includes grounds relating to a disability. In addition, some Registered Social Landlords specialise in housing people with disabilities; while others have been set up with the intention of housing ex-forces personnel.
	Local authorities also provide a wide range of support services to help disabled people maintain independent lives in their own homes providing care services, aids, equipment and adaptations. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister contributes to the funding of these services through the payment of Supporting People programme grant to local authorities, which may be spent by the local authority on a range of housing related support services, and under the Disabled Facilities Grant scheme.
	There is provision within the War Pensions Scheme to pay grants towards the cost of adapting the home of a severely disabled war pensioner where the need arises because of the pensioned disablement. This payment may be paid in addition to any local authority grant which might be made.
	Service Leavers receive comprehensive briefings on housing and financial matters before returning to civilian life, including, if appropriate, advice from the Joint Service Housing Advice Office. In addition, the Veterans Agency provides a single point of contact within the MoD for veterans and their dependants seeking help and advice on a range of issues including housing.

Drug Seizures (Royal Navy)

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the major incidents of drug seizures by Royal Navy warships in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 15 February 2006
	Details of major drugs seizures carried out by the Royal Navy and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary since 1997 are outlined in the table:
	
		
			 Date  Drug seizures 
		
		
			 April 1997 HMS York 4 tonnes cannabis 
			 June 1997 HMS Edinburgh 3 tonnes cannabis 
			 June 1998 HMS Monmouth 2 tonnes cannabis 
			 1999 —  
			 2000 —  
			 September 2001 HMS Coventry 1 tonne cocaine 
			 2002 —  
			 May 2003 HMS Cumberland 3.6 tonnes cocaine 
			 July 2003 HMS Iron Duke 1.3 tonnes cocaine 
			 October 2003 HMS Manchester RFA Wave Knight 1.1 tonnes cocaine 
			 November 2004 RFA Wave Ruler 1.8 tonnes cocaine 
			 January 2005 RFA Wave Ruler 1.8 tonnes cocaine 
			 January 2005 RFA Wave Ruler 1.7 tonnes cocaine 
			 October 2005 HMS Cumberland 1.9 tonnes cocaine 
			 October 2005 HMS Cumberland RFA Wave Knight 1.3 tonnes cocaine 
			 February 2006 HMS Southampton RFA Grey Rover 3 tonnes cocaine 
		
	
	This list includes only seizures over 1 tonne in weight. It does not include seizures in the Caribbean before 2000, for which data is not available. It also does not include drugs jettisoned by traffickers as a result of Royal Navy intervention.

Halal Meat

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to ensure that serving members of the (a) Army, (b) Navy and (c) Royal Air Force who are Muslim are offered halal meat.

Don Touhig: In accordance with the United Kingdom legislation and Government guidelines, HM forces cater for all personnel irrespective of gender, race, religious belief, medical requirements and committed lifestyle choices.
	Halal meat is purchased from approved sources, as and when there is an identified need. Additionally, to ensure that serving Muslims are appropriately fed when on operations, the Ministry of Defence provides a halal variant of its Operational Ration Pack.

Merchant Fleet

Julian Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of the number of merchant (a) ships and (b) seafarers available to provide strategic support at times of national emergency.

Adam Ingram: Historically, the number of merchant ships, including militarily useful vessels, and seafarers is monitored by the Department for Transport. Currently, for movement by sea, strategic support is provided to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) through the Private Finance Initiative Strategic Sealift Service, which comprises up to six British flagged Roll-On/Roll-Off vessels, manned by British officers and crews.
	Should, during a national emergency or on any other occasion, demand for sealift exceed the capacity of the Strategic Sealift Service, suitable merchant ships would be chartered from the commercial market to fulfil the requirement. Over the past five years experience has shown that there is sufficient merchant shipping available to meet the needs of the MOD.

Merchant Fleet

Julian Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the (a) names and (b) flags of merchant shipping chartered or used by his Department in each year since 2000.

Adam Ingram: The information requested has been placed in the Library of the House. The list mainly comprises dry cargo and Roll-On/Roll-Off vessels, however, information on specialist ships chartered during financial years (FY) 2004–05 and 2005–06 (to date) is included. Information on specialist ships chartered during earlier years is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Military Explosive

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence from what source tri amino trinitro benzene will be obtained following the planned closure of the Royal Ordnance Factory, Bridgwater.

Adam Ingram: Decisions on sourcing tri amino trinitro benzene are principally a commercial matter for BAE Systems Land Systems.

Military Explosive

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what sales of military explosive from the Royal Ordnance Factory, Bridgwater have been made to the United States in each of the last five years; and what representations have been made to his Department by the United States concerning the future of the factory.

Adam Ingram: The sale of military explosives by BAE Systems Land Systems to the USA is a commercial matter for the company. No representations have been made by the United States Government to the MOD concerning the future of BAE Systems Land Systems' Bridgwater facility.

Residual Vapour Detectors

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which company manufactured the 4,000 sets of residual vapour detectors used in Operation Telic.

Adam Ingram: Records are no longer held of which manufacturer originally supplied the 4,000 Residual Vapour Detector kits held in central stock for Operation TELIC. However, all 4,000 kits were refurbished by Richmond Packaging Limited under a contract awarded in February 2003.

RFA Argus

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 8 February 2006, Official Report, column 1240W on the Joint Casualty Treatment Ship, whether the possibility of not replacing RFA Argus has been ruled out.

Adam Ingram: No decisions on the future provision of a deployed maritime medical capability will be made until the review of the Joint Casualty Treatment Ship programme has been completed, and the results considered in the Ministry of Defence's next planning round.

Royal Navy

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what average number of days was spent at sea by Royal Navy service personnel in (a) 2005, (b) 1995 and (c) 1985.

Don Touhig: This information is not held centrally in the format requested. I will write to the hon. Member with the information that is available and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Senior Officers

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) air commodores and (b) air marshals were on the active list in the RAF in each year since 1997; and what the total strength of the RAF was in each year.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 13 February 2006
	The numbers of Air Commodores and Air Marshals on the active list in the Royal Air Force each year since 1997 and the strength of the RAF in each year are shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Air Commodores Air Marshals Trained strength Untrained strength Total strength 
		
		
			 April 1997 90 50 54,200 2,670 56,870 
			 April 1998 90 50 52,680 3,170 55,840 
			 April 1999 80 40 51,760 3,450 55,210 
			 April 2000 80 50 50,990 3,720 54,720 
			 April 2001 90 50 49,850 3,850 53,700 
			 April 2002 80 40 48,910 4,090 53,000 
			 April 2003 80 50 48,540 4,700 53,240 
			 April 2004 80 50 48,740 4,650 53,390 
			 April 2005 80 40 48,850 3,020 51,870 
			 December 2005 70 40 47,470 2,180 49,640 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Personnel on the active list of the RAF are those currently serving who have completed phase one training. Additionally, former Marshals of the RAF, Chiefs of Air Staff and Vice-Chiefs of Defence Staff who have retired are included on the active list. This accounts for between five and 10 over the period.
	2. Air Marshals includes the ranks of Air Vice-Marshal, Air Marshal and Air Chief Marshal.
	3. Regular Strengths exclude full-time reserve service and Mobilised Reservist.
	4. All figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Figures ending in 5 have been rounded to the nearest multiple of 20.

Shipbuilding

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his estimate is of the number of ships to be built under the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability programme; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 15 February 2006
	I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement I gave on 14 February 2006, Official Report, column 74WS. The Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability project is still in the early stages of its Assessment Phase and it is therefore too early to say how many ships will be built or what the final designs and specifications for these vessels might be. We will use the assessment phase to look into the potential options before any decisions are made at the main gate investment point.

Territorial Army

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the Territorial Army (a) establishment and (b) strength is for (i) 2nd lieutenants, (ii) lieutenants, (iii) captains, (iv) majors and (v) lieutenant colonels.

Don Touhig: The strengths of the requested Territorial Army (TA) Officer ranks are shown in the following table. The TA establishment is not defined by individual rank.
	
		Strength of TA Officers as at 1 January 2006
		
			 Rank Total 
		
		
			 2nd Lieutenants 590 
			 Lieutenants 800 
			 Captains 1,980 
			 Majors 1,640 
			 Lieutenant Colonels 350 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Figures include TA and Mobilised TA.
	2. Figures exclude non-regular permanent staff (NRPS) and full-time reserve service (FTRS).
	3. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

Trident

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions his Department has had with counterparts in the United States on United Kingdom participation in the US Navy's life-extension plan for Trident missiles.

John Reid: I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to him on 21 November 2005, Official Report, column 1566W and to the hon. Member for Newport West (Paul Flynn) on 17 January 2006, Official Report, column 1197W.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Accessibility Planning Indicators

Sarah Teather: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress has been made in developing accessibility planning indicators since July 2004.

Yvette Cooper: Local planning authorities are required to prepare annual monitoring reports that include core output indicators, which are submitted to the Secretary of State by the end of December each year. Regional planning bodies assess these reports to enable them to prepare regional annual monitoring reports which are submitted to the Secretary of State annually on 28 February.
	Local Development Framework Monitoring: A Good Practice guide was published in March 2005 and contains a number of core output indicators which local planning authorities are required to monitor. An update on the core indicators was published in October 2005.
	Core output indicator 3b specifically requires authorities to monitor the accessibility of new residential development that is built within 30 minutes public transport time of a number of key services, (including GPs, hospitals, primary and secondary schools, areas of employment and major retail centres).

Advanced Corporation Tax Relief

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the (a) cost to and (b) effect on the local government pension scheme of the abolition of advanced corporation tax relief.

Phil Woolas: Since 1998, each local government financial settlement has provided an additional indexed sum of £130 million per annum to mitigate the effect on their pension funds of the abolition of advanced corporation tax relief. This amount was determined with the full support of the local government association. Successive actuarial valuations for each local government pension scheme pension fund, in 2001 and 2004, will also have taken full account of this change.

Allotment Land

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his Department's estimate is of (a) the land available for allotments in Greater London in each of the last five years and (b) the likely amount of such land in each London borough in 2006–07.

Yvette Cooper: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Antisocial Behaviour

Michael Wills: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he plans to take to tackle antisocial behaviour in social housing in Swindon.

Yvette Cooper: The Respect Action Plan, launched by the Prime Minister in Swindon last month, recognises the important role social landlords play in tackling antisocial behaviour. In delivering the plan we will work with landlords to build on their success in delivering preventative approaches, support provision and taking enforcement action. This will include engaging the sector in developing a new 'Respect Standard' for housing management.
	We have provided landlords with a wide range of tools to tackle ASB and I know these have been used effectively in Swindon, where family support provision is also in place to help turn around the lives of challenging families. Much has been achieved by landlords and their partner agencies but we must sustain momentum and intensify this activity as a key factor in delivering sustainable communities.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Tim Loughton: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister on how many planning decisions he has given a ruling in each of the last four years involving developments on areas of outstanding natural beauty; and if he will list them.

Yvette Cooper: My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has decided 27 planning cases in the last four years involving development on Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These are tabled as follows.
	
		
			  Case name Description of development  Decision  Date of decision 
		
		
			 Hartland and Stoke, Torridge DC Residential Refuse 2 July 2002 
			 Finnamore Wood (former Young Offenders Institution), near Marlow, Bucks Residential Refuse 25 October 2002 
			 West House, Wrotham Alterations to listed building (4 appeals) Allow 30 October 2002 
			 Hawkinge Aerodrome Folkestone Residential (2 applications) Refuse 16 December 2002 
			 Cedars, Westonbirt School, Gloucestershire Replace windows in listed building Refuse 5 February 2003 
			 Shoreham Quarry [Shoreham Cement] Mixed use residential, office and industrial (1 application, 1 appeal) Refuse 10 September 2003 
			 Ribblesdale Park, Ascot New country house Refuse 27 October 2003 
			 Halwyn St. Keverne, Cornwall Temporary mobile home Refuse 27 October 2003 
			 Locks and Tracey Down Quarry, Combe Martin Retention of dwelling (1 appeal 2 enforcement appeals) Allow 27 November 2003 
			 Crystal Palace and New Zealand Farms Chute Grain dryer and storage facility (2 applications) Allow one, refuse one 19 December 2003 
			 Little Densole Farm Residential Refuse 20 January 2004 
			 Former Douai School, Woolhampton Residential Allow 7 May 2004 
			 Nizels Golf Club, Tonbridge Residential (2 applications) Refuse 12 May 2004 
			 Middleton Hospital, Ilkley Residential Refuse 12 May 2004 
			 Chase Fields, Lower Farringdon, Hampshire Residential (4 applications) Refuse three, allow one 7 July 2004 
			 Cemetery Lane, Bourton-on-the-Water Extension to cemetery Refuse 8 July 2004 
			 Witley Park, Surrey New country house Allow 28 July 2004 
			 Coronation House, Lyme Regis 2 storey extension to listed building (2 appeals) Allow 7 October 2004 
			 Ticehurst House, East Sussex Residential and healthcare facilities (2 applications) Refuse 13 January 2005 
			 Bentham Works, Cheltenham Residential (2 appeals) Refuse 31 January 2005 
			 Quarry filling station, Bourton-on-the-Hill Residential Refuse 7 June 2005 
			 Plot 29, Upper Swainswick, Avon Gypsy Caravan site Refuse 21 June 2005 
			 Borough Green Road, Kent Residential Refuse 28 June 2005 
			 St. Piers Lane, Lingfield, Surrey Residential, education, healthcare facilities (2 appeals) Refuse 2 August 2005 
			 Shearbarn Caravan Park, East Sussex Caravan park (2 appeals) Allow one, refuse one 17 August 2005 
			 Hilltop Farm, Dartford Gypsy Caravan site Refuse 26 October 2005 
			 Brighton and Hove FC, Falmer Football Stadium and coach interchange (4 applications) Allow 27 October 2005

Arson

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many incidents of arson there were in (a) Peterborough and (b) Cambridgeshire in each year since January 1997.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The following table shows the number of fires which were started deliberately and attended by Cambridgeshire fire and rescue service since 1997. Separate data are only available centrally for Peterborough for 2002 and 2003.
	
		
			  Number of deliberate fires 
			  Cambridgeshire(5) Peterborough(6) 
		
		
			 1997 890 — 
			 1998 940 — 
			 1999 1,188 — 
			 2000 1,293 — 
			 2001 1,199 — 
			 2002 1,406 657 
			 2003 1,387 588 
			 2004 1,109 — 
		
	
	Sources:
	(5) Fire and Rescue Service FDR1 returns to ODPM.
	Includes estimates for incidents not recorded during periods of industrial action in 2002 and 2003.
	Includes Peterborough.
	(6) Neighbourhood Statistics derived from Fire and Rescue Service FDR1 returns to ODPM.
	Excludes periods of industrial action.

Asset Register

Anne Main: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the top 150 most valuable assets held on his asset register; and what their financial value is in each case.

Jim Fitzpatrick: A list of the 150 most valuable assets held on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Asset Register as at 31 December 2005 has been made available in the Library of the House.

Building Regulations

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he will lay the statutory instrument to bring Part L of the building regulations into force.

Yvette Cooper: In the press release of 13 September 2005 I announced that changes to Part L of the building regulations were being introduced two years early in April 2006. The statutory instrument will be laid in sufficient time to allow this to happen.

Building Standards

Bob Russell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  if he will reassess the (a) Building Regulations and (b) Structural Engineering Requirements for proposed new buildings using design methods and materials similar to those in the building which collapsed in Katowice, Poland, on 28 January; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  if he will require local authorities to reassess the structural strength of new buildings which have been erected in England using design methods and materials similar to those in the building which collapsed in Katowice, Poland, on 28 January; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: The cause of the recent collapse of the Polish exhibition centre roof is not yet known, although early reports indicate that snow loading was probably a contributory factor. While the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister remains vigilant to any reported building collapses so as to ensure a low probability of such an incident occurring in the UK, adequate safeguards on achieving minimum requirements for stability and robustness are provided in the Building Regulations Approved Document Part A and the relevant British Standards codes of practice which they reference. Based on the current evidence there is no need to instigate any checks on buildings here in the UK arising from the Polish building collapse.

Business Rates

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the average business rates bill in England in 2005–06.

Phil Woolas: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 13 February 2006, Official Report, column 1630W.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will provide additional funding to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough fire authority to take account of the additional service requirement resulting from Peterborough's increase in size.

Phil Woolas: The local government finance settlements for 2006–07 and 2007–08 laid before the House on the 31 January 2006 include the use of population projections as the dominant data drivers of population in the settlements. The population projections used are Office for National Statistics (ONS) trend based projections based on the ONS mid-2003 population estimates. This will make the settlement more forward looking as the projections reflect demographic trends seen in an area.
	These projections do not take into account events that have not yet occurred, such as population change as a result of proposed housing expansion, as these are affected by future policy changes or local decisions. As part of its response to the independent review of housing supply produced by Kate Barker, the Government have announced a cross-cutting review within the 2007 comprehensive spending review to ensure that appropriate infrastructure will be provided to support housing and population growth. The review will: determine the social, transport and environmental infrastructure implications of housing growth in different spatial forms and locations; establish a framework for sustainable and cost-effective patterns of growth, including be examining the use of targeted investment through the community infrastructure fund and growth areas funding to support the fastest growing areas; and ensure that departmental resources across government are targeted appropriately for providing the national, regional and local infrastructure necessary to support future housing and population growth.

Correspondence

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what advice and guidance he has given to (a) local councils and (b) the Audit Commission on the way in which local councils should deal with hon. Members' correspondence on behalf of constituents regarding planning applications.

Yvette Cooper: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has not provided any advice in this area.

Council Housing

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will institute an inquiry into the conduct of Sefton council in relation to each of the two ballots of tenants on the transfer of council housing held by the council.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 9 January 2006
	Sefton council has not yet applied for consent to transfer its housing stock. When it does so the council will need to demonstrate to the Secretary of State that a majority of its tenants are not opposed to the transfer going ahead, including providing information about the two ballots.

Council Housing

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what criteria he applies in considering the results of multiple ballots of the same tenants on a single large scale voluntary transfer of council housing; and how he intends to deal with those circumstances in Sefton in August and November.

Yvette Cooper: When a local authority applies for consent to transfer its housing stock it is for the authority to satisfy the Secretary of State on the range of criteria set out in section 16.2 of the Housing Transfer Manual 2005"—a copy is available in the Library. The application for consent should be received by the office at least six weeks before the transfer is due to be completed.

Council Housing

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether (a) his Department, (b) his housing action team and (c) the Regional Housing Board was consulted by Sefton council about a second tenants' ballot on the large scale voluntary transfer proposal.

Yvette Cooper: Sefton council informed the Office and the Community Housing Task Force of their decision to re-ballot tenants on their large scale voluntary transfer proposal. Sefton council did not inform the Regional Housing Board of their decision.

Council Housing

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many local authorities have been authorised to build new council housing in the last five years; and how this new housing will be financed.

Yvette Cooper: Local authorities continue to have the powers to build houses and indeed are doing so under the housing private finance initiative. It has also proved possible for local authorities to use council tax revenue to finance specific housing projects.

Council Tax Benefit

Sarah Teather: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the (a) incentives and (b) disincentives to save arising from the fixing since 1999 of the savings threshold for ineligibility for (i)council tax benefit at £16,000 and (ii) reductions of council tax benefit at £3,000.

James Plaskitt: I have been asked to reply.
	No such assessments have been made. The treatment of capital in council tax benefit is kept under review to ensure that it strikes a sensible balance between providing targeted support and not penalising those who have saved.
	The lower capital limit is £6,000 for pensioners, and will be raised to £6,000 for other people from April 2006. There is no upper capital limit in council tax benefit for people who receive the guarantee element of pension credit.

Departmental Staff

Kate Hoey: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans his Office has to change the London allowance of its staff; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The office does not pay a London allowance to its staff. For staff below the senior civil service (SCS), London weighting was consolidated into salaries some years ago. The SCS does not distinguish between London and other pay.

Development (Brownfield Land)

Mark Hoban: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what percentage of new housing development in (a) each borough council in Hampshire, (b) Portsmouth and (c) Southampton has been on brownfield land in each year since 1997.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 13 February 2006
	The estimates available centrally are from Land Use Change Statistics, are shown in the following table. The percentages for individual local authorities tend to be highly variable from one year to another as they can be affected by the characteristics of just one or two large developments. The table also shows the averages over four years.
	
		New dwellings on previously developed land, Hampshire 1997 to 2004 -- Percentage
		
			  Average 
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 1997–2000 2001–04 
		
		
			 Basingstoke and Deane 12 59 47 28 54 27 43 34 36 40 
			 East Hampshire 46 55 61 44 63 58 73 79 51 69 
			 Eastleigh 62 36 60 56 74 60 84 88 55 82 
			 Fareham 62 33 33 56 49 66 85 94 47 76 
			 Gosport 80 91 89 87 48 32 17 60 86 41 
			 Hart 74 27 89 37 18 36 47 39 52 36 
			 Havant 32 31 24 69 74 96 56 97 33 78 
			 New Forest 69 54 55 76 81 52 68 85 64 68 
			 Rushmoor 42 93 99 92 91 100 87 100 75 95 
			 Test Valley 10 21 27 35 41 44 63 82 19 53 
			 Winchester 80 46 68 60 91 59 68 74 66 69 
			 Portsmouth 63 92 94 61 98 93 100 90 75 94 
			 Southampton 90 74 85 45 89 67 95 99 75 90 
			
			 Hampshire 52 52 59 57 64 55 66 78 54 66

Domestic Violence

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many refuge places for victims of domestic violence there were in England in each year since 1997; and how much central Government funding has been made available to such refuges in each year.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 13 February 2006
	It is not possible to provide information in the form requested.
	At April 2003, there were around 5,800 units of support for women at risk of domestic violence. More recent data suggests that there were around 6,000 units of support at April 2005. These figures include both accommodation in refuges and other forms of provision including floating support services where victims are supported to remain in their own accommodation where appropriate.
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister annually provides Supporting People funding to enable top-tier English local authorities to provide housing-related support. In doing so, however, ODPM does not specify or earmark amounts to be spent on either specific forms of provision or specific vulnerable groups. However, most recent data suggests that local authorities spent approximately £58 million from Supporting People funding on services for women at risk of domestic violence in 2004–05.
	In April 2003 further measures were announced to support refuge provision through capital programmes over a three-year period. In 2003–04 a total of £18.8 million funding was provided for new refuge provision and refurbishment of existing refuge schemes. The Government have also committed a further £7.5 million nationally in 2004–05 and 2005–06 with an additional £5.8 million provided through the Housing Corporation. Priority is being given to projects arising from local authority housing and homelessness strategy reviews to meet gaps in service provision. 427 new units of accommodation will be provided.

East of England Regional Assembly

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the cost to public funds was of the East of England Regional Assembly in 2004–05.

Yvette Cooper: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister made a grant of £2,112,000 to the East of England Regional Assembly in 2004–05.
	The grant supports the Assembly in the performance of its designated functions to scrutinise the work of East of England Regional Development Agency; fulfil its regional planning responsibilities; and for the development of its strategic regional role.
	The Regional Assembly may have derived additional revenue from other sources including members' subscription.

Empty Homes

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the Government's policy is on the use of empty dwelling management orders in relation to seizing properties which are empty due to the death of the owner.

Yvette Cooper: Where a dwelling is unoccupied following the death of the owner, it will be excepted from the making of an interim empty dwelling management order for a period of six months following grant of representation. The dwelling will continue to be excepted after this period if the new owner plans to bring it back into occupation or put it on the market.

Empty Homes

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate his Department has made of the cost of residential property tribunals to assist the imposition of empty dwelling management orders.

Yvette Cooper: An additional £1 million is being made available annually to the Residential Property Tribunal Service to cover its new jurisdictions under the Housing Act 2004. Currently the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister estimates that up to 15 per cent. of its new cases will comprise of considering applications from local housing authorities for approval to make interim Empty Dwelling Management Orders and dealing with related appeals.

Empty Homes

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many empty homes there have been in (a) Peterborough constituency and (b) Peterborough city council area in each year since 1997.

Yvette Cooper: Information on empty homes in the parliamentary constituency of Peterborough is not available because the data are not collected below district level. For (b) , the number of vacant dwellings in Peterborough unitary authority from 1997 to 2004, is tabled as follows:
	
		
			  Snapshot date Vacant dwellings 
		
		
			 1997 1 April 4,040 
			 1998 1 April 3,990 
			 1999 1 April 2,667 
			 2000 1 April 2,659 
			 2001 1 April 2,517 
			 2002 1 November 2,080 
			 2003 3 November 1,497 
			 2004 1 November 1,809 
		
	
	Source:
	The figures for 1997 to 2001 are based on a combination of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix (HSSA) return, and the Housing Corporation's Regulatory Statistical Return (RSR). For the years 2002 to 2004 the figures are based on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Council Tax Base 1 (CTB1) return.
	These figures are for all vacant dwellings, including dwellings that have been empty for fewer than six months, some for less than one month. The Government are introducing new powers from April 2006 for local authorities to reduce the number of long-term empty homes in their area.

Energy Saving

Nigel Evans: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment his Department has made of the potential for energy-saving from well-installed double-glazing.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 13 February 2006
	Regulatory impact assessment completed by the former Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions (DETR) in October 2001 supported the introduction of better thermal standards for new and replacement windows in part L of the building regulations from April 2002. This regulatory impact assessment can be seen on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website.

English Partnerships (Peterborough)

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much has been raised by English Partnerships through the sale of assets in Peterborough in each of the last eight years.

Yvette Cooper: English Partnerships has received the following amounts through the sale of assets in Peterborough since 1997:
	
		
			 Financial year Receipts (£million) 
		
		
			 1997–98 3.4 
			 1998–99 0.9 
			 1999–2000 2 
			 2000–01 10 
			 2001–02 2.2 
			 2002–03 3.7 
			 2003–04 3.9 
			 2004–05 10.3 
			 2005–06(7) 1.1 
			 Total 37.5 
		
	
	(7) Forecast.

Fire Safety

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the timetable is for the review of Approved Document B—Fire Safety; and when he intends to bring forward his Department's final proposals.

Yvette Cooper: The public consultation on the proposed changes to Part B (Fire safety) of the Building Regulations and the accompanying guidance in Approved Document B ended on 18 November 2005. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is currently considering the responses and other supporting evidence received and will be consulting the Building Regulations Advisory Committee in due course. The ODPM aims to publish a revised version towards the end of this year which would come into force in April 2007.

Flag Poles

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the planning process is for (a) erecting flag poles and (b) placing non-national flags on an existing flag pole.

Yvette Cooper: Planning permission is required before a flag pole is erected. The exceptions are vertical flag poles flying a national flag, or flagpoles flying flags as advertisements under Class 7 of Schedule 3 of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992. The flying of all other flags requires the express consent of the local planning authority. Provided they have the necessary consent, no further planning permission is required for the flag pole.

Free Bus Travel

Nick Brown: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what alternative methods were considered by his Department to distribute the sum of money allocated to cover the cost of the free bus travel policy announced in the Budget.

Phil Woolas: My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, added £350 million to revenue Support grant for England in 2006–07 to cover the cost of the free bus travel policy announced as part of his Budget on 16 March. For the purposes of grant distribution, consideration was given to using the existing formula for the lower tier Environmental, Protective and Cultural Services (EPCS) relative needs formula and a number of variants of that. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister consulted on and have now adopted a variant of that formula that is reweighted to reflect factors that reflect support for the disabled and the needs of areas where take-up is likely to be highest.

Home Improvement Packs

David Gauke: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the likely impact of home improvement packs on the number of properties which will be available for sale.

Yvette Cooper: The number of properties available for sale at any one time will depend on a range of factors, principally interest rates and the strength of the economy. Home Information Packs are not expected to have a significant impact in their own right, but we are in discussion with the industry as to how to ensure a smooth transition when they come into effect in June 2007.

Home Information Packs

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he plans to meet the National Association of Estate Agents to discuss the introduction of home information packs.

Yvette Cooper: I will be meeting with the president of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) on 27 February.

Home Information Packs

Charles Walker: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how long the information contained in homebuyers information packs will remain valid before a new survey is required; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: The home condition report in the home information pack should be not more than three months old when the home is first put on the market. There will be no requirement to update a report while the home is on the market. In the normal course, the condition of a property is unlikely to change rapidly unless there is an intervening event, such as fire or flood. Sellers and buyers may commission an updated report where they consider this necessary, and the industry is developing cost-effective solutions to facilitate this.

Home Inspections

John Maples: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the compliance with the Human Rights Act 1998 of the provisions of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 relating to home inspections.

Phil Woolas: The Local Government Finance Act does not provide powers for Valuation Office Agency (VOA) staff or any other persons to enter properties forcibly for the purposes of compiling or maintaining the council tax valuation list. Inspectors from the VOA will only ask to undertake internal inspections of properties where information cannot be gathered by an external inspection or through other sources and will make every effort to arrange appointments with occupiers in advance and confirm these by letter. If a request to enter a property is declined, the VOA will normally make a best judgement about the correct band for the property. There will, of course, be a right of appeal against any banding that is made. These procedures do not breach the Human Rights Act 1998 and in particular Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Homebuy Schemes

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the interest rate to be charged by mortgage lenders to participants in the Open Market HomeBuy scheme; and whether this will be a different rate from the prevailing market rate.

Yvette Cooper: Discussions are continuing with lenders on the details of the core proposition for the private financing of Open Market HomeBuy equity loans which was announced on 5 December. Lenders are likely to charge a small premium on the interest rate of the standard mortgage, but the aim of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is to ensure that the products are comparable with current shared equity schemes and affordable for our client groups.

Homelessness

Justine Greening: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what grant funding for homelessness was provided to each London borough in 2004–05; how much is being provided in 2005–06; how much is projected for 2006–07; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 9 February 2006
	Homelessness grants from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister supplement other sources of Government funding that help to tackle homelessness, including housing capital investment, Supporting People and Revenue Support Grant.
	In 2004–05 and 2005–06 a total of £71,658 million (revenue and capital) in homelessness grants was allocated to local authorities in London by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
	The table provides details of homelessness grant allocations made by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in 2004–05 and 2005–06 to each local authority in London. Indicative allocations for 2006–07 are also included this table.
	Funding provided by the Directorate has supported action to successfully reduce rough sleeping by more than 70 per cent. since 1998, end the use of B and B hotels as long-term accommodation for families with children, and develop homelessness strategies and preventative approaches which have resulted in the first sustained fall in new cases of homelessness for nearly a decade.
	
		
			£ 
			 Local authority Allocation 2006–07 Allocation 2004–05 Indicative allocation 2005–06 
			 London region Revenue Capital Revenue Capital Revenue  Capital (indicative) 
		
		
			 Barking and Dagenham 28,000.00 — 28,000 — 60,000 50,000 — 
			 Barnet 165,000.00 — 210,000 — 160,000 — — 
			 Bexley 58,000.00 — 58,000 — 58,000 50,000 — 
			 Brent 783,000.00 — 740,000 2,865,000 740,000 50,000 — 
			 Bromley 100,000.00 — 100,000 — 100,000 — — 
			 Camden 1,800,000.00 — 1,650,000 3,172,000 1 ,600,000 50,000 7,320,000 
			 City of London 515,000.00 — 265,000 650,000 265,000 — — 
			 Croydon Council 600,000.00 — 575,000 — 500,000 — — 
			 Ealing 600,000.00 — 600,000 — 600,000 — — 
			 Enfield 250,000.00 — 300,000 — 250,000 50,000 — 
			 Greenwich 100,000 — 63,000 — 63,000 20,000 — 
			 Hackney 640,000 — 550,000 95,000 550,000 — — 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 1,500,000 470,000 1,400,000 385,000 1,450,000 — 742,000 
			 Haringey 200,000 — 200,000 — 200,000 — — 
			 Harrow 283,000 — 290,000 — 190,000 — — 
			 Havering 27,000.00 — 27,000 — 60,000 50,000 — 
			 Hillingdon 80,000.00 — 80,000 — 80,000 50,000 — 
			 Hounslow 180,000.00 — 165,000 — 165,000 — — 
			 Islington 357,000.00 — 325,000 — 325,000 — 290,000 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 943,000.00 — 875,000 250,00 875,000 — 300,000 
			 Kingston upon Thames 90,000.00 — 90,000 — 90,000 50,000 — 
			 Lambeth 2,100,000.00 — 2,000,000 — 2,020,000 — 1,521,000 
			 Lewisham 100,000.00 474,000 100,000 4,000,000 100,000 20,000 — 
			 Merton 130,000.00 — 130,000 — 85,000 — — 
			 Newham 250,000.00 — 212,000 — 200,000 — — 
			 Redbridge 105,000.00 — 100,000 — 100,000 50,000 — 
			 Richmond 295,000.00 — 295,000 — 315,000 50,000 — 
			 Southwark 1,100,000.00 353,000 1,063,000 600,000 1,063,000 50,000 — 
			 Sutton 200,000 — 165,000 — 130,000 — — 
			 Tower Hamlets 800,000 — 810,000 1,090,000 800,000 — 140,000 
			 Waltham Forest 200,000 — 200,000 — 200,000 75,000 — 
			 Wandsworth 300,000 — 300,000 — 250,000 50,000 — 
			 Westminster 7,366,000 9,480,000 6,700,000 5,113,000 6,500,000 — — 
			 Total funding 22,245,000 10,777,000 20,666,000 17,970,000 20,144,000 715,000 10,313,000

Homelessness

Sally Keeble: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many homeless acceptances there have been in each local authority in the East Midlands region in each of the last four quarters.

Yvette Cooper: The following table presents information reported by each local authority in East Midlands for the past four quarters on the number of households under homelessness legislation which were accepted as eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in priority need, and consequently owed a main homelessness duty.
	The duty owed by the local authority is to secure suitable accommodation. If a settled home is not immediately available, the authority may secure temporary accommodation until a settled home becomes available. As an alternative to the provision of temporary accommodation some authorities arrange for households to remain in their current accommodation (homeless at home), until a settled solution becomes available.
	
		Households accepted(8) as homeless by local authorities within the East Midlands Government Office Region
		
			 Local authority October to December 2004 January to March 2005 April to June 2005 July to September 2005 
		
		
			 Amber Valley 68 71 61 55 
			 Ashfield 23 22 25 16 
			 Bassetlaw 29 30 62 34 
			 Blaby 16 6 8 6 
			 Bolsover 26 31 (9)— (9)— 
			 Boston 21 17 26 19 
			 Broxtowe 17 21 35 16 
			 Charnwood 43 28 52 49 
			 Chesterfield (9)— (9)— (9)— (9)— 
			 Corby 12 10 4 15 
			 Daventry 14 22 20 19 
			 Derby 222 226 279 189 
			 Derbyshire Dales 18 31 31 18 
			 East Lindsey 50 58 48 17 
			 East Northamptonshire 16 22 17 24 
			 Erewash 45 53 74 44 
			 Gedling 43 31 19 3 
			 Harborough 13 10 11 4 
			 High Peak 37 49 62 63 
			 Hinckley and Bosworth 31 34 45 (9)— 
			 Kettering 25 29 27 31 
			 Leicester 218 182 151 57 
			 Lincoln 66 49 50 34 
			 Mansfield 75 80 115 91 
			 Melton 6 13 13 19 
			 Newark and Sherwood 47 78 77 37 
			 North East Derbyshire 10 31 34 21 
			 North Kesteven 26 23 18 26 
			 North West Leicestershire 52 48 30 80 
			 Northampton 135 131 126 115 
			 Nottingham City 458 319 313 329 
			 Oadby and Wigston 17 24 6 12 
			 Rushcliffe 18 20 29 31 
			 Rutland 1 7 10 15 
			 South Derbyshire 24 19 18 21 
			 South Holland 29 (9)— 36 12 
			 South Kesteven 66 85 67 67 
			 South Northamptonshire 12 21 14 19 
			 Wellingborough (9)— 60 61 54 
			 West Lindsey 20 27 36 8 
		
	
	(8) Households found to be eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in a priority need category and, under 1996 Housing Act provisions, consequently owed a main homelessness duty.
	(9) Authority failed to provide a return for that particular quarter.
	Note:
	Data shown as reported.
	Source:
	ODPM P1E Homelessness returns (quarterly).

Homelessness

Sally Keeble: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidance his Department has issued in the last 12 months to local authorities on handling homelessness cases.

Yvette Cooper: In the last 12 months the Office of the Deputy Prime Minster has made the following guidance available to local authorities and other agencies in relation to homelessness:
	Tackling Homelessness Amongst Ethnic Minority Households—A Development Guide—Published September 2005 and;
	Hostels Review Toolkit—Published March 2005.
	In addition, the ODPM published the following documents:
	Policy Brief 13: Survey of English Local Authorities about Homelessness—Published December 2005;
	Policy Brief 12: Hostels Capital Improvement Programme—Published September 2005;
	Guidance on Best Value Performance Indicator 213: on prevention of homelessness through housing advice—Published July 2005;
	Policy Brief 11: Providing More Settled Homes—Published June 2005 and;
	Sustainable Communities: Settled Homes; Changing Lives—Published March 2005.
	All of these publications are available on the ODPM website at: www.odpm.gov.uk

Homelessness

Sally Keeble: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what discussions his Department has had in the last 12 months with housing authorities on the handling of homelessness cases.

Yvette Cooper: Officials in the Homelessness and Housing Support Directorate in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister have an on-going programme of work with local authorities to discuss good practice in the delivery of homelessness services. In the past 12 months this has included visits, meetings, regional seminars and telephone conversations. As part of this work meetings were held in the autumn with approximately 150 local authorities to specifically discuss their action plans to reduce the number of households living in temporary accommodation.

Homelessness

Richard Burden: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what criteria he is using for the allocation of the £88 million funding announced by the Minister for Housing in December 2005 for local authorities to reduce or prevent homelessness.

Yvette Cooper: The £88 million funding announced on 13 December 2005 has been allocated to local authorities over two years (2006–07 and 2007–08) to assist them in delivering their homelessness service and reflects the Government's continued commitment to tackle and prevent homelessness. As part of the allocation process every local authority was asked to complete a short survey about their homelessness service. In allocating the funding the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister took account of local homelessness pressures and evidence from the survey returns of local commitment to prevent homelessness and reduce the use of temporary accommodation in line with our homelessness strategy Sustainable Communities: settled homes; changing lives". A summary of the survey returns is included in Survey of English Local Authorities About Homelessness. Policy Briefing 13" which is available on the ODPM website.
	Homelessness grants from ODPM are intended to supplement main sources of expenditure on homelessness (for example, local authority general fund expenditure and housing investment) to fund innovative services that tackle and prevent homelessness more effectively.

Homelessness

Anne Main: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many (a) homeless people and (b) people in temporary accommodation there are in (i) St. Albans and (ii)Hertfordshire; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: Information about English local authorities' actions under homelessness legislation is collected quarterly and is in respect of households rather than people. The number of households accepted as eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in priority need during 2004–05 and April to September 2005–06, and the number of households in temporary accommodation arranged by local authorities under homelessness legislation as at 31 March and 30 September 2005, is tabled as follows for St. Albans and Hertfordshire.
	After being accepted as homeless, a household will be placed in some form of accommodation. They may be placed in temporary accommodation, until a settled solution becomes available, or they may be given a settled solution straight away depending on the accommodation available to the local authority. As an alternative to temporary accommodation an authority may arrange for a household to remain in their current accommodation (homeless at home), until a settled solution becomes available.
	Information is also collected on the number of people who sleep rough, that is, those who are literally roofless on a single night. The table below also shows the number of persons sleeping rough on a single night of each year.
	
		Households accepted as homeless during the year, households in temporary accommodation at the end of the period, and numbers of rough sleepers
		
			  Local authority 
			  St. Albans Hertfordshire 
		
		
			 Households accepted(10) as homeless   
			 2004–05 141 1,578 
			 April to September 2005–06 76 752 
			
			 Households in temporary accommodation2 as at:   
			 31 March 2005 105 1,518 
			 30 September 2005 92 1,465 
			
			 Rough sleepers3 (number of persons)   
			 2004 0 5 
			 2005 0 0 
		
	
	(10) Households found to be eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in a priority need category and, under 1996 Housing Act provisions, consequently owed a main homelessness duty.
	(11) Households in accommodation either pending a decision on their homelessness application or awaiting allocation of a settled home following acceptance. Excludes those households designated as homeless at home" that have remained in their existing accommodation and have the same rights to suitable alternative accommodation as those in accommodation arranged by the authority.
	(12) Number of persons sleeping rough, based on local authority mid-year counts or estimates.
	Source:
	ODPM P1E Homelessness returns (quarterly)

Homelessness

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he expects to publish (a) the external evaluation of the range of approaches which have been developed with homelessness grants since 2002 and (b) the good practice guidance based on this study.

Yvette Cooper: It is planned to publish the good practice guidance on homelessness prevention and a summary of the research in March 2006. It is also planned to publish the full research report on the evaluation of homelessness prevention initiatives in the summer of 2006. When available copies of the guidance and research will be available free of charge from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website at: www.odpm.gov.uk/homelessness.

Homes for Islington

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much funding has been made available to Homes for Islington by his Department; what proportion of it is a loan; what the interest rate is on the loan; and what the repayment terms are.

Yvette Cooper: The London borough of Islington has been allocated funding totalling £24.9 million by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) for its Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO), Homes for Islington", for the financial years 2004–05 and 2005–06. Allocations for 2006–07 and 2007–08 will be made shortly. The borough also received a mainstream housing capital allowance from ODPM of £10.888 million in 2004–05 and £11.317 million in 2005–06.
	ODPM's financial support for local authorities for capital investment takes the form of supported borrowing approvals. These give permission for a local authority to borrow money to fund capital expenditure on its stock. Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Subsidy is paid to local authorities by ODPM to cover the interest payments that a local authority must make on this borrowing. The terms of the loans taken out by local authorities such as Islington are a matter for the individual local authorities.

Households (Statistics)

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the average number of households is in (a) district council area, (b) county council area, (c) English unitary council area, (d) metropolitan council area and (e) London borough area.

Yvette Cooper: The average number of households in England are as follows:
	
		
			  Number 
			 (a) District council  
		
		
			 Households accepted(13) as homeless  
			 All local authorities excluding unitary local authorities, metropolitan councils and London boroughs 41,000 
			   
			 (b) County council  
			 All county councils excluding metropolitan councils 288,000 
			   
			 (c) Unitary authorities  
			 All unitary local authorities in England excluding London boroughs and metropolitan councils 76,000 
			   
			 (d) Metropolitan council  
			 All metropolitan council areas 127,000 
			   
			 (e) London borough  
			 All London boroughs including City of London 98,000 
		
	
	Source:
	2003 ODPM Mid-year Household estimates (http://www.odpm.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1156404

Housing

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many council houses in each London borough have been brought up to the Decent Homes Standard; how many remain to be brought up to the Decent Homes Standard; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: The following table shows the reported number of local authority owned non-decent dwellings every year for each London borough since 2001.
	
		
			 Local authority 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 
		
		
			 Barking and Dagenham (13)— 13,254 12,613 11,091 9,618 
			 Barnet 5,467 4,208 4,881 6,047 6,903 
			 Bexley LSVT LSVT LSVT LSVT LSVT 
			 Brent 6,191 6,106 5,211 4,657 2,725 
			 Bromley LSVT LSVT LSVT LSVT LSVT 
			 Camden 20,800 18,800 16,327 19,534 18,839 
			 City of London (14)— 1,329 1,093 1,015 959 
			 Croydon 15,233 6,299 5,617 3,325 2,836 
			 Ealing 3,187 4,487 4,474 5,598 5,115 
			 Enfield 3,911 4,195 3,938 3,710 3,242 
			 Greenwich (13)— 22,744 21,919 17,693 15,708 
			 Hackney 26,649 20,080 19,198 17,301 14,899 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 5,383 4,773 4,189 3,548 5,089 
			 Haringey (13)— 5,690 10,493 9,389 8,487 
			 Harrow 1,603 2,838 2,710 2,887 2,698 
			 Havering (13)— 3,888 3,747 2,391 3,249 
			 Hillingdon 4,437 3,774 3,465 3,402 3,116 
			 Hounslow 10,500 10,499 9,243 5,258 2,508 
			 Islington (13)— 18,911 19,093 16,829 15,213 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 4,462 4,150 4,203 3,036 2,496 
			 Kingston upon Thames (13)— (13)— (13)— 1,423 1,318 
			 Lambeth (13)— 15,483 14,696 12,747 12,300 
			 Lewisham (13)— 19,730 17,436 16,259 14,742 
			 Merton (13)— 2,819 2,242 1,852 2,138 
			 Newham 11,720 11,000 10,565 9,812 10,068 
			 Redbridge 1,554 1,194 1,327 1,716 1,696 
			 Richmond upon Thames LSVT LSVT LSVT LSVT LSVT 
			 Southwark (13)— 24,982 22,245 19,481 17,427 
			 Sutton 4,014 3,912 3,471 3,506 5,832 
			 Tower Hamlets 22,791 20,660 18,628 18,218 14,984 
			 Waltham Forest (13)— 10,311 10,039 9,226 7,966 
			 Wandsworth 3,003 3,212 2,173 1,425 588 
			 Westminster (13)— 10,847 8,834 4,272 2,413 
		
	
	LSVT = Large Scale Voluntary Transfer
	(13) No data submitted by London borough.
	(14) No data.
	Source:
	Business Plan Statistical Appendices.

Housing

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate the Government have made of the number of new domestic dwellings to be planned for construction in each of the next 20 years.

Yvette Cooper: The Government responded to Kate Barker's review of Housing Supply on 5 December, outlining their ambition to increase housing delivery in England over the next decade to 200,000 net additions per year, from current delivery of around 150,000 net additions per year.
	The numbers set out in the response represent Government's ambition nationally. The actual housing numbers planned for delivery are determined at a regional and local level through statutory planning processes.

Housing

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what discussions he has had with Tameside and Stockport councils to ensure that the efforts to stabilise the housing market in East Manchester do not displace problems to adjacent areas in Tameside and Stockport.

Yvette Cooper: The future investment plans of Manchester Salford Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder are currently being evaluated by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure that they continue to make the maximum positive impact for the significant investment we are making in the area. These will be tested against a set of criteria including strategic fit, evidence of need and opportunity and value for money but also ensure that impact on adjacent areas is properly addressed. The plans represent the culmination of many months of work by the board of Manchester Salford Partnership—Tameside have a place as observers on this board.
	The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities in partnership with the North West Regional Housing board have recently commissioned work to extend Manchester Salford Housing Market Renewal's Research, Foresight and Intelligence project. This will look at changes in the Greater Manchester housing market areas outside of the existing Housing Market Renewal Programme and advise on how best the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister can intervene to complement HMR investment and to ensure that housing continues to play a strong role in supporting sub-regional economic growth whilst protecting existing green belt provision.

Housing

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the density rate target is for new housing projects in Shropshire.

Yvette Cooper: National policy set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note 3: Housing" (March 2000) is for local planning authorities to avoid developments which will make inefficient use of land (those less than 30 dwellings per hectare net) and to encourage housing developments which makes more efficient use of land (those between 30 and 50 dwellings per hectare net). Local planning authorities may also have regard to local housing density policies in their adopted development plans and emerging local development frameworks. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is currently consulting on draft Planning Policy Statement 3: Planning for Housing" which proposes a new approach for local planning authorities to establish density policies in their areas, but with the presumption remaining that in developing density policies, the minimum density should be no less than 30 dwellings per hectare.

Housing

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what percentage of new homes in Shropshire he expects will be built on brownfield sites.

Yvette Cooper: Planning Policy Guidance Note 3: Housing" which the Government issued in March 2000 sets a target for 60 per cent. of additional housing to be provided nationally on previously developed land and through conversions of existing buildings by 2008. The regional spatial strategy for the West Midlands sets a target for Shropshire of 59 per cent. of all development to be provided on previously developed land and for this target to be reflected in new local development frameworks. Local planning authorities in Shropshire should determine housing applications having regard to this guidance, other relevant policies in their local development plans and any other material considerations.

Housing

Richard Spring: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many new homes he expects to be built in Suffolk in (a) 2006–07 and (b) each of the next three years.

Yvette Cooper: The Suffolk County Structure Plan (adopted 2001) sets out the annual requirement for new homes to be built in the county. The average annual requirement is 2,650 until 2016. These requirements will, in due course, be superseded by those contained in the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the East of England once it is adopted. The average annual requirement currently in the draft RSS is 2,930 new homes.

Housing

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of West Lancashire council housing stock has been sold under the right-to-buy scheme in each year since 1980.

Yvette Cooper: The proportion of housing stock owned by West Lancashire council, sold through the Right to Buy (RTB) scheme in each financial year since 1980–81, as reported by West Lancashire is tabulated as follows. The table shows the number of Right to Buy sales in each financial year as a percentage of the stock at the beginning of that period.
	
		West Lancashire; right to buy sales
		
			  Percentage 
			 Financial year Proportion of local authority stock sold through RTB 
		
		
			 1980–81 1.1 
			 1981–82 6.0 
			 1982–83 3.6 
			 1983–84 2.1 
			 1984–85 0.0 
			 1985–86 0.0 
			 1986–87 1.8 
			 1987–88 1.6 
			 1988–89 2.3 
			 1989–90 5.1 
			 1990–91 3.1 
			 1991–92 1.6 
			 1992–93 1.1 
			 1993–94 1.1 
			 1994–95 1.5 
			 1995–96 0.9 
			 1996–97 0.9 
			 1997–98 1.2 
			 1998–99 1.2 
			 1999–2000 2.1 
			 2000–01 2.3 
			 2001–02 2.3 
			 2002–03 2.9 
			 2003–04 5.8 
			 2004–05 4.5 
		
	
	Source:
	PIAB returns from local authority to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Housing

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what total receipts were generated from Right to Buy sales in West Lancashire in each year since 1980.

Yvette Cooper: The value of the capital receipts generated from Right to Buy sales in West Lancashire in each financial year since 1994–95, as reported by West Lancashire is tabled as follows. Figures shown are net of discounts. Information on capital receipts prior to 1994–95 is not available.
	
		West Lancashire -- £
		
			 Financial year Capital receipts 
		
		
			 1994–95 2,334,000 
			 1995–96 1,401,000 
			 1996–97 1,484,000 
			 1997–98 1,775,000 
			 1998–99 1,849,000 
			 1999–2000 3,343,000 
			 2000–01 3,365,000 
			 2001–02 3,194,000 
			 2002–03 5,127,000 
			 2003–04 10,582,000 
			 2004–05 9,346,000 
		
	
	Source:
	PIAB returns from local authority to ODPM

Housing

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many applicants there are on the West Lancashire housing waiting list.

Yvette Cooper: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws) on 17 October 2005, Official Report, column 811W, in which the number of households on the housing waiting list in each English local authority for each year from 1996–97 to 2005–06 was made available in the Library of the House.

Housing

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many empty homes there have been in West Lancashire constituency in each year since 1997.

Yvette Cooper: The number of vacant dwellings in the local authority area of West Lancashire from 1997 to 2004, is tabled as follows:
	
		
			  Snapshot date Vacant dwellings 
		
		
			 1997 1 April 1,397 
			 1998 1 April 1,433 
			 1999 1 April 504 
			 2000 1 April 925 
			 2001 1 April 1,251 
			 2002 1 November 1,284 
			 2003 3 November 1,444 
			 2004 1 November 1,386 
		
	
	Source:
	The figures for 1997 to 2001 are based on a combination of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix (HSSA) return, and the Housing Corporation's Regulatory Statistical Return (RSR). For the years 2002 to 2004 the figures are based on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Council Tax Base l (CTB1) return.
	These figures are for all vacant dwellings, including dwellings that have been empty for fewer than six months, some for less than 1 month. The Government are introducing new powers from April 2006 for local authorities to reduce the number of long-term empty homes in their area.

Housing

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many council houses have been sold under the right-to-buy scheme in West Lancashire in each year since 1980.

Yvette Cooper: The number of council houses sold in West Lancashire under the right-to-buy scheme in each year since 1998/99 as reported by West Lancashire can be found on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website at:
	http://www.odpm.gov.uk/pub/373/Table4StatisticsonRighttoBuyandothercouncilhousesales Excel242Kb_idl_156373.xls.
	Information is only available for the years shown.

Housing

Nigel Evans: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment his Department has made of the role of repairing existing housing stock in meeting demand for affordable housing.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 13 February 2006
	The Government recognise that better use of the existing housing stock, including repairs to existing stock and bringing empty homes back into use, can help meet demand for housing.
	Investment through the Housing Corporation's approved development programme (ADP) supports not only new build but also acquisition and refurbishment of housing stock securing it for use as affordable housing. Around 1,700 social rented homes out of a total of over 16,000 social rented homes were provided through acquisition and refurbishment in 2004–05 through the ADP.
	The Government encourage local authorities to procure empty homes from owners in return for grant or loans to cover the cost of repairs.
	The Decent Homes Standard requires all social housing to be made decent by 2010 and to this end local authorities and registered social landlords (RSLs) have invested £21 billion in improving their stock since 1997.
	The Housing Corporation's regulatory code makes clear that RSLs are expected to develop and manage good quality homes that seek to meet people's needs and preferences now and in the future, ensuring that: the homes their residents live in are well maintained and in a lettable condition; maintenance is carried out effectively and necessary investment in the future of their stock is made a key priority.

Housing

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what percentage change he expects in (a) council house rents and (b) management and maintenance grants in 2006–07.

Yvette Cooper: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister expects local authority rents to rise by an average of 4.7 per cent. in 2006–07. The Government does not expect any local authority to raise rents by more than 5 per cent. in 2006–07 and 2007–08, and the intention is that authorities which would otherwise lose out will have their Housing Revenue Account (HRA) adjusted in year.
	Management and maintenance allowance will rise by 9.06 per cent. in 2006–07. This represents 2.46 per cent. for inflation and 6.6 per cent. for rebasing.

Housing

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent research he has evaluated on the cost of maintaining council homes.

Yvette Cooper: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister keeps under review the need to spend on maintenance and management of the local authority stock. The most recent research was published in June 2003: Estimation of the need to spend on maintenance and management in the local authority housing stock".

Housing

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much of the income from council tenants' rents in the determination for 2006–07 he estimates will be retained by councils.

Yvette Cooper: The Housing Revenue Account Subsidy Determination does not set actual rents; these are the responsibility of the individual local authorities as part of their landlord function. The annual determination sets, among other things, each authority's guideline rent. That is the rental income per dwelling assumed in calculating an authority's Housing Revenue Account (HRA) subsidy entitlement.
	Nationally, rental income does not meet the costs of the aggregate need to spend on council housing, and there is an overall net payment of HRA subsidy from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to local authorities. This situation is forecast to continue for the foreseeable future.

Housing

Sarah Teather: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the impact of the average increase in council rents resulting from his Department's final housing revenue account subsidy determinations for 2006–07 on pensioners not in receipt of housing benefit.

Yvette Cooper: No assessment is made during the annual housing revenue account subsidy determination process of the impact of average rent increases on any particular section of the community. The subsidy system is very influential in informing the decisions a council will take on rent setting, but it does not immediately impact on actual individual rents which are a matter for the authority as landlord.
	Authorities retain wide discretion in the setting of rents, including a variation of plus or minus 5 per cent. on individual rents under rent restructuring. For 2006–07 we introduced a suggested additional cap of 5 per cent. on the average actual rent increase in addition to the existing cap of RPI plus ½ per cent. plus £2.

Housing

Sarah Teather: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of local authority housing stock in each Government office region is (a) houses and bungalows, (b) low rise flats, (c) medium rise flats and (d) high rise flats.

Yvette Cooper: The data in the following table are derived from the audited base data returns from local authorities for stock at April 2005.
	
		Percentage
		
			 Region Houses and bungalows Low rise fiats Medium rise flats High rise flats 
		
		
			 East Midlands 67.96 19.13 10.95 1.96 
			 Eastern 60.95 22.20 14.05 2.80 
			 London 22.25 12.18 43.73 21.84 
			 North East 73.77 14.10 7.05 5.08 
			 North West 61.65 22.61 10.13 5.60 
			 South East 53.55 22.86 19.14 4.46 
			 South West 57.25 23.52 15.05 4.18 
			 West Midlands 60.56 19.67 9.63 10.14 
			 Yorks and Humber 66.70 18.44 9.44 5.41 
			 Total England 54.04 18.52 18.69 8.74

Housing

Nigel Evans: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment his Department has made of the impact on (a) the environment and (b) energy efficiency of the repair and renovation of existing registered social landlord housing stock with energy saving measures.

Yvette Cooper: The 2003 English House Condition Survey (EHCS) indicates that the number of social sector homes failing to meet the decent home standard as a result of inadequate thermal comfort fell by 20 per cent. between 2001 and 2003. EHCS also indicates that, among the housing stock, that of registered social landlords has the highest average energy efficiency as assessed under the Government's Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP).
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister recognises the environmental impact of poor housing conditions and has commissioned research to establish the extent to which social housing landlords are carrying out works in excess of the requirements of the decent home standard, with particular reference to heating and insulation. It is also undertaking a review of the measures that can be taken in existing buildings, including homes, to improve sustainability and energy and water efficiency.

Housing

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether individuals evicted from social housing due to antisocial behaviour (a) are eligible to be re-housed, (b) may be classed as homeless and (c) are eligible for (i) housing benefit and (ii) council tax benefit; whether eligibility for each will apply under the Government's Respect agenda proposals; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: Addressing the hon. Member's questions in turn:
	(a) Eligibility for re-housing:
	Local authorities have the power to treat as ineligible for an allocation a person who has been guilty of unacceptable behaviour serious enough to make him unsuitable to be a tenant of the authority. The only behaviour which would be regarded as unacceptable for these purposes is behaviour which would entitle an authority to an outright possession order on fault grounds, this could include antisocial behaviour.
	Circular 07/04 on Tenancy Management: Eligibility and Eviction, issued by the Housing Corporation and to which all registered social landlords must have regard, states that ineligibility for housing on the ground of the applicant's antisocial behaviour should be based on evidence of the behaviour. The circular also states that previous tenancy enforcement action (including eviction) for antisocial behaviour should not be taken into account if it occurred two or more years prior to the date of application and the tenant's household has conducted a tenancy satisfactorily in the intervening period.
	(b) Homelessness:
	Where a person is evicted for antisocial behaviour he may decide to make a homelessness application to a local authority. If the authority has reason to believe that he may be homeless or threatened with homelessness it must make inquiries to enable it to determine his application.
	When considering the application the authority would have to decide, among other things, whether the applicant had become homeless intentionally (that is, homeless as a result of a deliberate act or omission in consequence of which his accommodation ceases to be available to him). Where the applicant has been evicted from his previous accommodation because of antisocial behaviour this is likely to be regarded as a deliberate act which would mean that the applicant would be found to be intentionally homeless.
	If the applicant has a priority need for housing (eg if he has dependent children) but has become homeless intentionally, the authority would have a duty to secure accommodation for them for long enough to give them a reasonable opportunity of finding their own accommodation. However, the authority will not owe the applicant a 'main homelessness duty' to continue to secure that accommodation is available for occupation by the applicant.
	(c) Eligibility for benefits:
	Where someone has been evicted on ASB grounds and subsequently takes up new accommodation where they are eligible for payment of council tax then any application for council tax benefit would be assessed in line with existing rules. Their previous housing record, including eviction on anti-social behaviour grounds, would not form part of this assessment.
	The same principle applies to Housing benefit: liability for rent would cease on eviction, so no housing benefit would be payable. But if rent is payable at the next address, housing benefit would be freshly assessed.
	Respect agenda proposals
	The Respect action plan proposes no changes to code of guidance on allocations or homelessness legislation. Through the plan we have announced our intention to launch a national network of intensive family support schemes as part of a long-term cross-government strategy on problem families to improve the way public services deal with them. Family support projects will help tackle the underlying causes of ASB. For example, where appropriate, families evicted for antisocial behaviour may be referred to a support project so that anti-social behaviour can be tackled rather than displaced.
	The plan commits us to considering the best way of encouraging those involved in persistent ASB to engage with family support projects. As the plan states one option would be to introduce sanctions on those people who have been evicted for antisocial behaviour and then refuse to take up offers of help. Sanctions could include financial penalties or housing benefit measures.

Housing Debt

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the interest rate charged on the housing debt of local authorities was in (a) 1980, (b) 2000 and (c) 2005.

Yvette Cooper: Local authorities do not borrow for specific purposes but instead manage their loans as a portfolio. The Housing Revenue Account makes a contribution to the loan charges of a local authority's debt portfolio based upon the proportion of those loans used for housing purposes and based on the average interest rate of all of the authority's borrowing, known as the Consolidated Rate of Interest (CRI).
	The CRI for 1980 is only available at disproportionate cost. The average CRI for local housing authorities in England for financial year 2000–01 was 5.95 per cent., the average CRI for local housing authorities in England for financial year 2005–06 currently stands at 5.31 per cent., though it should be noted that this rate is likely to change as the financial year not yet ended.

Housing Revenue Accounts

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much central government funding was allocated to councils' housing revenue accounts in 2005–06; and what the estimate is for 2007–08.

Yvette Cooper: The net contribution made by central government to local authority housing revenue accounts in England is approximately £207.6 million for 2005–06, based upon unaudited advance claims submitted by local housing authorities.
	The estimate for 2007–08 is expected to be broadly similar and it is expected that payments to deficit authorities will continue to exceed surpluses redistributed from negative subsidy authorities throughout this period.

Housing Revenue Accounts

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the cost to central funds was of supported borrowing for local authority housing revenue accounts in each year since 1997.

Yvette Cooper: The charges for capital element of Housing Revenue Account Subsidy entitlement by local housing authorities for 1997–98 to 2004–05 (the latest year for which we have data) was as follows:
	
		
			  Amount (£) 
		
		
			 1997–98 2,205,198,847 
			 1998–99 2,136,542,900 
			 1999–2000 2,012,611,835 
			 2000–01 1,923,747,474 
			 2001–02 1,810,651,777 
			 2002–03 1,669,557,784 
			 2003–04 1,531,423,203 
			 2004–05 (15)1,173,227,602 
		
	
	(15) Data for 2004–2005 is not yet complete.
	Under the set-aside system that was in place until 2004–05, local authorities were required to set aside a proportion of their income to repay debt. So levels of housing debt (nationally) fell, leading to a fall in support required for support of that debt.
	Early indications for 2005–06 are there will be an upswing (£2 million) in the value of HRAS for charges for capital, as national housing debt stops declining due to set-aside.

Key Workers (Dorset)

Annette Brooke: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what account he took of average house prices in Dorset in allocating funds to assist key workers via Homebuy loan schemes in (a) 2004–05 and (b) 2005–06.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 14 February 2006
	As the Key Worker Living programme only operates in London, South East and Eastern regions there are no specific Homebuy loans being offered for key workers within the South West under the Government's programme. Within Dorset funding is available for a number of Homebuy and shared ownership schemes which, depending on local priorities, key workers may be eligible to apply for. Within 2004–05 there were 120 such completions, final figures for 2005–06 are not yet available.

LACORE Database

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on implementation of the local authority lettings continuous recording (LACORE) database.

Yvette Cooper: CORE (Continuous Recording of lettings) is a system for monitoring the letting of social rented housing which has been in operation by housing associations for the last 15 years. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is currently in the process of extending CORE to include lettings by local authorities. Participation by local authorities is voluntary although it is hoped that all will do so. Of the 220 local authorities which own social housing stock 86 (39 per cent.) are already submitting CORE data and an additional 105 (48 per cent.) are planning to start by 1 April 2006. The remaining 29 (13 per cent.) have not yet committed to a start date.

Lifetime Homes Standards

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate his Department has made of the cost to housebuilders of making the Lifetime Homes Standards obligatory on all new house builds; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: No estimate has been made of the cost of making the Lifetime Homes Standards obligatory on all new house builds. The Lifetime Homes Standards will be introduced as a voluntary element of the Code for Sustainable Homes. The rate of adoption of the standards will be monitored, and Government have not ruled out regulation. If regulation is required, a regulatory impact assessment will be made, as normal, to establish the cost.

Local Authority Finance

Ken Purchase: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what arrangements he plans to make for his Department's financial support to local authorities for private sector capital investment from 1 April; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: Our current plans are that ODPM grant for PFI projects will continue to be paid on the same basis as in 2005–06. HRA housing projects will be supported as part of Housing Revenue Account Subsidy. All other operational projects will be supported by PFI grant, for which Section 31 grant determinations will be published in March setting out the full details.

Local Authority Finance

Ken Purchase: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the likely effects on local authority planning and delivery of delaying an announcement on housing capital grants.

Yvette Cooper: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will announce awards of capital grant to support local authorities' housing capital investment programmes in 2006–07 shortly and in sufficient time for those authorities to make full use of that support.

Local Authority Repair Allowances

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether local authority major repairs allowances were fully spent in each of the last three years.

Yvette Cooper: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not hold this information centrally, and could provide it only at disproportionate cost. Local authorities are not required to spend their major repairs allowance (MRA) in year. They may carry the balance of their MRA forward, allowing them to build a significant resource to undertake major capital works programmes if required, rather than spreading the work out over a number of years, which may not be as efficient.

Local Government Finance

Sarah Teather: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much of the £4.8 billion referred to in his Department's press release number 0278 of 20 December 2005 for local authorities in England in 2006–07 will come from rents paid by council tenants.

Yvette Cooper: The £4.8 billion referred to in the press release which accompanied the Housing Revenue Account Subsidy Determination 2006–07 on 20 December 2005 covers allowances for management, maintenance and major repairs predominantly. In addition to expenditure in these areas, local authorities in England service debt charges amounting to some £1.2 billion annually.
	Projected rental income for 2006–07 is expected to be about £5.8 billion. The shortfall of about £200 million will be made up by the Government.

Local Government Finance

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many (a) council tax and (b) business rate (i) banding and (ii) valuation appeals there were in each year since 1996–97; and how many were successful (A) in whole and (B) in part in each year.

Phil Woolas: The number of council tax banding and national non-domestic rate valuation appeals in England in each year since 2000–01 is as follows:
	
		
			   Council tax banding National non-domestic rates 
		
		
			 2000–01 33,764 715,104 
			 2001–02 29,195 346,704 
			 2002–03 25,346 144,105 
			 2003–04 23,036 140,267 
			 2004–05 24,422 130,410 
		
	
	Records held by the Valuation Tribunal Service (VTS) do not identify whether an appeal has been fully or partially upheld. The VTS does not hold information on council tax and national non-domestic rate appeals for years prior to 2000–01.

Local Government Finance

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on how council tax capping will operate in London in 2006–07.

Phil Woolas: No decisions on council tax capping in 2006–07 have been taken yet. The Deputy Prime Minister does not intend to determine capping principles until after authorities have set their budget requirements.

Local Government Finance

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the average council tax bill was in England in 2005–06.

Phil Woolas: Details of the average council tax bill in England in 2005–06 are published in Table 2.2f of Local Government Financial Statistics England 2005, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House and on the web at: http ://www.local.odpm.gov.uk/finance/stats/lgfs/2005/lgfs16/h/lgfs16/xlsfiles/lgfs16–2-2f.xls .

Local Government Restructuring

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent discussions (a) he has had and (b) Members of his Department have had with local authorities on local government restructuring.

Phil Woolas: , My right hon. Friend the Member for South Shields (Mr. Miliband) announced a comprehensive programme of engagement on local government re-organisation on 2 February. As part of this programme my right hon. Friend the Member for South Shields (Mr. Miliband) met with councillors, chief executives, public sector partners, the business sector and other key stakeholders from Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire on 7 February in Shrewsbury.
	Members of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister have held meetings with chief executives of county and district councils to discuss local government restructuring on six separate occasions since December 2005.

Local Government Wages

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the average increase in local government employee wages was in each year since 1996–97; and what the cost of the local government wage bill was in each year since 1996–97.

Phil Woolas: Information on local government wages is not held centrally. However, the increase in the local government employee pay bill and the cost of the local government employee expenditure in each year as reported by local authorities, are shown in the following table for the years available:
	
		
			  Local government employee pay(16)(17) Local government employee expenditure(17)(18) 
			  Cost (£ billion) % Increase Cost (£ billion) % Increase 
		
		
			 1996–97 — — 30.237 2.9 
			 1997–98 — — 31.167 3.1 
			 1998–99 25.904 — 32.395 4.4 
			 1999–2000 28.531 10.1 35.737 9.9 
			 2000–01 30.571 7.1 38.185 6.9 
			 2001–02 33.083 8.2 41.283 8.1 
			 2002–03 35.769 8.1 44.345 7.4 
			 2003–04 38.662 8.1 48.676 9.8 
			 2004–05 41.235 6.7 52.940 8.8 
		
	
	(16) This figure is for pay only, excluding National Insurance employer contributions, pensions, and employee related costs, but including overtime payments, bonuses, golden handshakes etc. It has only been collected on this basis since 1998–99. It is estimated from the Subjective Analysis Return (SAR), part of the Revenue Outturn (RO) suite of forms collected by ODPM from local authorities. The SAR is a sample survey and collects information from 121 authorities in England. The data have been grossed up to provide estimates for England as a whole.
	(17) Comparisons across years may not be valid due to changes in the method of reporting the information. In particular, the outturn data for 1996–97 to 2002–03 have been calculated on a non-FRS (Financial Reporting Standard) 17 basis while the outturn data for 2003–04 and 2004–05 have been calculated on an FRS 17 basis. Hence, figures for different years may not be directly comparable.
	(18) Total net current expenditure on employees as collected by the RO forms. This includes all direct and indirect employee expenses and contributions to employee-related provisions, including national insurance contributions, pensions and employee related expenses.
	Notes:
	All data are as published in Local Government Financial Statistics or in National Statistics Releases as available from http://www.local.odpm.gov.uk/finance/stats/index.htm
	All figures are for England only.
	Local government pay can be further split by employee group for 1998–99 onwards:
	
		
			 Employee group  1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Teachers £ billion 10.122 11.491 12.384 13.616 14.904 15.522 15.912 
			  % change — 13.5 7.8 9.9 9.5 4.1 2.5 
			 Police £ billion 3.349 3.450 3.693 3.969 4.102 4.486 4.749 
			  % change — 3.0 7.0 7.5 3.4 9.4 5.9 
			 Firefighters £ billion 0.790 0.843 0.831 0.859 0.881 0.958 1.036 
			  % change — 6.7 -1.4 3.4 2.6 8.7 8.1 
			 Police Support Staff £ billion 0.875 0.906 0.949 0.945 1.169 1.331 1.547 
			  % change — 3.5 4.7 -0.4 23.7 13.9 16.2 
			 Other Local Government Staff (21) £ billion 10.768 11.841 12.713 13.694 14.713 16.365 17.990 
			  % change — 10.0 7.4 7.7 7.4 11.2 9.9 
			 Total pay 1, 2 £ billion 25.904 28.531 30.571 33.083 35.769 38.662 41.235 
			  % change — 10.1 7.1 8.2 8.1 8.1 6.7 
		
	
	(19) This figure is for pay only, excluding National Insurance employer contributions, pensions, and employee related costs, but including overtime payments, bonuses, golden handshakes etc. It has only been collected on this basis since 1998–99. It is estimated from the Subjective Analysis Return (SAR), part of the Revenue Outturn (RO) suite of forms collected by ODPM from local authorities. The SAR is a sample survey and collects information from 121 authorities in England. The data have been grossed up to provide estimates for England as a whole.
	(20) Comparisons across years may not be valid due to changes in the method of reporting the information. In particular, the outturn data for 1996–97 to 2002–03 have been calculated on a non-FRS (Financial Reporting Standard) 17 basis while the outturn data for 2003–04 and 2004–05 have been calculated on an FRS 17 basis. Hence, figures for different years may not be directly comparable.
	(21) Other Local Government Staff' includes Chief Executives, Chief Financial Officers, fire support staff, all non-teachers working in Education as well as all other local government employees.
	Notes:
	All data are as published in Local Government Financial Statistics or in National Statistics Releases as available from http://www.local.odpm.gov.uk/finance/stats/index.htm
	All figures are for England only.

Milton Keynes Partnerships Committee

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister who the voting members of Milton Keynes Partnerships Committee are; and whether their posts are remunerated.

Yvette Cooper: The voting members of Milton Keynes Partnership, the local delivery vehicle for Milton Keynes, and the status of their remuneration, are shown in the following table.
	
		
			 Voting member Representing Remunerated 
		
		
			 Sir Bob Reid Independent Yes 
			 Anne Limb Independent Yes 
			 Cllr Isobel McCall Milton Keynes Council Yes 
			 Cllr Euan Henderson Milton Keynes Council Yes 
			 Cllr Roger Bristow Milton Keynes Council Yes 
			 Wendy Lehmann Voluntary organisations Yes 
			 Malcolm Brighton Health sector Yes 
			 Andrew Peck Business community Yes 
			 Dr. Pauline Lane English Partnerships No 
			 Dennis Hone English Partnerships No

Mobile Telephone Masts

David Amess: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  how many new mobile telephone masts have been erected under permitted development rights in (a) Southend-on-Sea, (b) Southend West constituency and (c) Essex in each of the last 48 months for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many applications there have been to construct mobile telephone masts in (a) Southend-on-Sea, (b) Southend West constituency and (c) Essex in each year since 2000; how many of these applications have been (i) granted and (ii) refused; and what the reason for refusal was in each case.

Yvette Cooper: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	However, during September and October every year the mobile network operators write to every local authority with details of their network rollout for the year ahead. When they write to the local authority they also provide details of their existing sites within the local authority area. The hon. Member may want to contact the network operators for copies of their plans.

Mobile Telephone Masts

David Amess: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what power his Department has granted since 1997 to local authorities to refuse applications by mobile telephone companies to erect telephone masts; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: All ground based masts are already subject to planning control so that if the local authority considers that the development will pose a serious threat to amenity, it is able to refuse approval. For masts over 15 metres in height a full planning application is required. For masts under 15 metres in height a prior approval application is required.
	Since 1997, the Government have strengthened the prior approval arrangements twice. Local planning authorities can decline a mast on planning grounds in prior approval applications in the same way as a normal planning application so long as they act within eight weeks. Eight weeks is also the performance target for dealing with most planning applications for telecommunications developments.

Mobile Telephone Masts

Richard Spring: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many planning applications for new mobile phone masts have been approved in West Suffolk in each year since 1997.

Yvette Cooper: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	However, during September and October every year the mobile network operators write to every local authority with details of their network rollout for the year ahead. When they write to the local authority they also provide details of their existing sites within the local authority area. You may want to contact the network operators for copies of their plans.

Negative Equity

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the total value of negative equity in homes in (a) England and (b) the North West in (i) 1996 and (ii) the most recent year for which figures are available.

Yvette Cooper: The information requested is not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Oil Firing Technical Association

Graham Stringer: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what (a) criteria and (b) benchmarks will be used in his review of the Oil Firing Technical Association.

Yvette Cooper: The Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) operates a competent person self-certification scheme for the installation of oil-fired combustion appliances and oil storage systems, authorised under the Building Act 1984. It is only this part of OFTEC's activities that the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has powers to review.
	Reviews of the performance of competent person schemes take place against schemes' conditions of authorisation: financial, managerial and technical ability to operate a scheme; assessment of competence of applicants to register with a scheme; periodic random monitoring of completed work to make sure it complies with the requirements of the Building Regulations; a robust system to deal fairly and speedily with complaints from customers; and certification of work to customers and the relevant local authority.
	All competent person schemes, including OFTEC's are required to achieve UKAS accreditation under the conditions of authorisation. UKAS will then monitor schemes to make sure that the conditions of authorisation are being fulfilled and the scheme is delivering compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations.

Oil-fired Central Heating

Graham Stringer: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will introduce regulations to require a Declaration of Safety Certificate after the installation of an oil fired heating system.

Yvette Cooper: Provisions for such certificates to be issued are already part of the Building Regulations 2000, as amended. Such certificates attest that the installation meets the safety standards in the Regulations. Where such installation work is notified to a building control body, that body will issue a completion certificate where the installation fully complies with all relevant requirements of the Building Regulations. Where the work is carried out by an installer registered with a competent person self-certification listed in Schedule 2A of the Building Regulations, that installer will give a compliance certificate to the occupier of the premises where the installation took place with a copy to the local authority.

Open Market Homebuy Option

Michael Gove: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many households the Government estimates will be covered by the Open Market Homebuy option by the end of the two-year pilot.

Yvette Cooper: Information on the number of households that will benefit from the Open Market Homebuy product from April 2006 is not yet available. The Government are providing subsidy for all the Homebuy products via the Housing Corporation's Affordable Housing programme. A decision on the overall programme is expected in March 2006, when the amount of subsidy for Open Market Homebuy will be confirmed.
	From October 2006, Government funding will be enhanced by the private financing of equity loans from three lenders. This will enable us to help an additional 20,000 households into home ownership by 2010.

Overcrowding

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will estimate how many families in (a) England, (b) the Tees Valley and (c) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland are living in overcrowded conditions.

Yvette Cooper: There are two measures of overcrowding—the statutory definition and the bedroom standard.
	Based on the bedroom standard, the number of overcrowded households in England during the three-year period 2002–03 to 2004–05 is estimated to have been 510,000.
	Information on compliance with the statutory standard is not collected systematically but, in the autumn of 2001, an attempt was made to estimate the number of households living in conditions that breach these standards. Using data from the Survey of English Housing" for the period 1997–98 to 1999–2000 and from the 1996 English House Condition Survey" it was estimated that there were 25,000 households in England that were so overcrowded that the statutory standard was breached.
	Reliable estimates for the Tees Valley and for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland are not available.

Pheasant Shooting

Roger Williams: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidance his Department has issued on the planning status of pheasant rearing units.

Yvette Cooper: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has not issued any specific guidance on the planning status of pheasant rearing units. The planning guidance for agriculture, for England, is contained in Planning Policy Guidance Note 7: Rural Areas".

Planning

Keith Vaz: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many planning applications have been processed in (a) Leicester and (b) England in each year between 1997 and 2005; and how many were heard by committees of local planning authorities.

Yvette Cooper: Following are the figures for Leicester and England. The Statistics of Planning Applications, October to December 2005" is due to be published on 31 March 2006 and will appear on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister web pages under planning statistics".
	
		
			 Calendar year Decisions in Leicester Decisions not delegated to officers(22) Decisions in England Decisions not delegated to officers(22) 
		
		
			 1998 1,469 403 465,000 153,000 
			 1999 1,449 373 472,000 139,000 
			 2000 1,594 369 499,000 127,000 
			 2001 1,772 400 527,000 121,000 
			 2002 1,783 373 571,000 102,000 
			 2003 2,084 265 620,000 89,000 
			 2004 2,095 117 650,000 75,000 
		
	
	(22) Since April 1997 statistics have been collected on decisions delegated to officers without reference to councillors under a scheme of delegation. 'Undelegated' decisions therefore includes decisions taken by chairmen or sub-committees, as well as those by the entire planning committee

Planning

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to pool Planning Delivery Grant funding into local area agreements.

Phil Woolas: Planning Delivery Grant is not ring fenced, and may be included by local authorities in their local area agreement pooling arrangements.
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will be consulting on reforms to the Planning Delivery Grant as part of a wider package of incentives for housing and planning during this year. This will involve consultation on mechanisms for delivery and how the grant might be distributed.

Planning

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidance his Department has issued on the account which should be taken of special protection area status in assessing planning applications; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: In August 2005 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) issued a joint Government circular: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation—Statutory obligations and their impact within the planning system" (ODPM 06/2005, Defra 01/2005). The circular provides administrative guidance on the application of the law relating to planning and nature conservation as it applies in England. It covers the requirements of the EC Habitats Regulations 1994 in respect of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated under the EC Birds Directive .
	Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation" was published at the same time. It advises planning authorities that, in taking planning decisions affecting sites of international importance, such as SPAs, they should ensure that appropriate weight is given to their status.

Planning

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what obligations local planning authorities have to consult English Nature in relation to planning applications in a special protection area.

Yvette Cooper: A planning authority is required, under the General Development Procedure Order 1995, to consult English Nature before granting planning permission within or which is likely to affect a site of special scientific interest (SSSI). All special protection areas (SPAs) on land above the mean (tidal) low water mark are also SSSIs and are thus covered by this requirement to consult. The planning regime does not extend below the low water mark.

Planning

Anne Milton: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many planning decisions made by (a) Guildford and (b) Waverley borough councils were (i) referred to and (ii) overturned by the Planning Inspectorate in each of the past five years.

Yvette Cooper: The table shows the total number of planning appeals, in the areas of Guildford and Waverley borough councils, determined by the Planning Inspectorate for the calendar years 2001 to 2005 together with the number allowed and percentage of appeals allowed.
	
		
			  2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 
		
		
			 Guilford  
			 Total decided 82 68 110 91 136 
			 Total allowed 28 29 32 28 40 
			 Percentage allowed 34 43 29 31 29 
			   
			 Waverley  
			 Total decided 87 88 145 157 184 
			 Total allowed 38 34 41 61 71 
			 Percentage allowed 44 39 28 39 39

Planning

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the national targets are for the Planning Inspectorate; and what the performance of offices covering Torbay are in relation to those targets.

Yvette Cooper: The Planning Inspectorates targets for 2006–06 (revised December 2005) are:
	Timeliness—cases determined by the written representations method
	1. Planning appeals: By the end of 2005–06, 50 per cent. of all planning appeals decided by written representations to be determined in 16 weeks.
	2. Enforcement appeals: 80 per cent. of all enforcement appeals decided by written representations to be determined in 32 weeks.
	Timeliness—cases determined by the hearings method
	3. Planning appeals: By the end of 2005–06, 50 per cent. of all planning appeals decided by hearings to be determined in 30 weeks.
	4. Planning appeals—proposals for 10 or more dwellings: to open the hearing within 20 weeks of the start date of the case and, in 80 per cent. of the cases, to issue a decision within 10 weeks of the close of the hearing.
	5. Enforcement appeals: 80 per cent. of all enforcement appeals decided by hearings to be determined in 33 weeks.
	Timeliness—cases determined by the inquiry method
	6. Recovered planning appeals and called-in applications: to meet the individual timetable set for the issue of the decision.
	7. Planning appeals: By the end of 2005–06, 50 per cent. of all planning appeals decided by inquiry to be determined in 30 weeks.
	8. Proposals for 10 or more dwellings: to open the inquiry within 20 weeks of the start date of the case and, in 80 per cent. of the cases, to issue a decision within 10 weeks of the close of the inquiry.
	9. Enforcement appeals: 80 per cent. of all enforcement appeals decided by inquiry to be determined in 43 weeks.
	Timeliness—development plans
	10. To provide an Inspector for development plan inquiries in at least 90 per cent. of cases on the date requested by the local authority, provided that the objection period has ended and at least six months' notice has been given.
	11. To deliver 90 per cent. of Inspectors' reports on development plan inquiries to local authorities according to timescales agreed under service agreements.
	Quality
	12. To satisfy the Advisory Panel on Standards, and thus the Secretary of State and the Welsh Assembly Government, annually and following rigorous monitoring, that the quality of all the Inspectorate's work is being maintained at a high standard, with 99 per cent. of its casework free from justified complaint.
	Information
	13. To survey customer satisfaction with the Inspectorate's performance and to act upon the results.
	
		Performance in Torbay against planning appeals target
		
			  2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 
			 Procedure Percentage in target Number of appeals Percentage in target Number of appeals Percentage in target Number of appeals 
		
		
			 Written representations 78.67 75 9.88 81 37.29 59 
			 Hearing 30.00 10 0.00 12 0.00 9 
			 Local inquiry 100.00 1 0.00 1 (23)— — 
		
	
	(23) No appeals were decided.
	
		Performance in Torbay for enforcement appeals
		
			  2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 
			 Procedure Percentage in target Number of appeals Percentage in target Number of appeals Percentage in target Number of appeals 
		
		
			 Written Representations 100.00 1 100.00 1 100.00 2 
			 Hearing 100.00 1 100.00 1 100.00 1 
			 Local inquiry 100.00 1 (24)— — (24)— — 
		
	
	(24) No appeals were decided.

Planning

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will place in the Library of the House a copy of the national planning guidance relating to housing that was in force before the publication of Planning Policy Guidance 3 in 2000.

Yvette Cooper: A copy of the Planning Policy Guidance Note 3: Housing" published in March 1992 has been made available in the Library of the House.

Polytunnels

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidance (a) his Department and (b) the Planning Inspectorate has issued on planning policy on polytunnels.

Yvette Cooper: The Government's national planning policies on development in the countryside and on agricultural development, which includes horticulture, are set out in Planning Policy Statement 7, Sustainable Development in Rural Areas, published August 2004. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (including the Planning Inspectorate) has not issued any planning guidance specifically on the use of polytunnels.
	The considerations in determining whether, in the first instance, horticultural polytunnels come within the scope of planning controls and, if so, whether they are permitted development under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, have not changed. Each case should be considered individually, in the light of the particular facts and circumstances pertaining.
	Where the decision-taker, the local planning authority in the first instance, decides in any particular case that the erection and use of polytunnels constitutes development" and requires a specific planning permission, any planning application should be determined in accordance with relevant policies in an adopted development plan for the area, subject to any other material considerations.

Proposed Railway Bridge (Colindale)

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his Department's financial contribution to the proposed new railway bridge over Aerodrome Road, Colindale.

Yvette Cooper: In the announcement on second round growth area funding of 24 August 2005 the London borough of Barnet was invited to submit a fully developed bid for up to £7 million for this project to replace two railway bridges over Aerodrome Road. This bid was received in December and is currently being considered. A formal announcement of the projects that will receive Government money will be made within the next few weeks.

Regional Assemblies

Keith Vaz: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the role of regional assemblies in England.

Yvette Cooper: The Government are committed to the development of fit-for-purpose regional institutions and to continue their clear policy to devolve and decentralise power to regions, where this adds value. This is integral to creating sustainable communities.
	Regional assemblies are inclusive strategic bodies 'of the region' and bring together representatives from key sectors across the region, sub-region, major cities and city areas and the rural areas. They were designated under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 as the Regional Planning Body with responsibility for preparing the Regional Spatial Strategy, including the Regional Housing and Transport strategies on behalf of the relevant Secretary of State.
	The Government have indicated they will give assemblies additional functions where they consider it appropriate. They have accepted the Barker recommendation that Regional Housing Boards and Regional Planning Bodies be merged and are currently considering responses from regional assemblies detailing how each would take on this new merged role.

Regional Housing Boards

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether regional housing boards will continue to operate from the Government Offices for the Regions.

Yvette Cooper: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has already announced merging regional housing and planning functions by passing responsibility for the work of the Regional Housing Boards from the Government Offices to the Regional Assemblies (and in London the Mayor), which in each region is already the Regional Planning Body. The ODPM is working to effect these new arrangements by September 2006.

Rent Increases

Ken Purchase: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 31 January 2006, Official Report, column 429W, if he will publish the consultation paper setting out the arrangements for compensating housing authorities that keep average rent increases to 5 per cent. in both 2006–07 and 2007–08.

Yvette Cooper: The intention is to adjust the housing revenue account (HRA) in year for housing authorities who keep rent rises to below 5 per cent. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister expects to publish a consultation paper shortly on the mechanisms for adjustment.

Rent Restructuring

Sarah Teather: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will place in the Library the summary of responses to his Department's three year review of rent restructuring.

Yvette Cooper: A copy has been made available in the Libraries of both Houses.

Rent Restructuring

Sarah Teather: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the impact of the introduction of greater differentials in rent for larger properties resulting from his Department's final housing revenue account subsidy determinations for 2006–07 on the income after housing costs of larger families.

Yvette Cooper: The introduction of greater differentials for five and six bedroom properties is intended to encourage landlords to provide more properties of this size, enabling more large households to move out of expensive, unsuitable and often overcrowded accommodation in the private rented sector.
	No separate assessment was made as part of the annual housing revenue account subsidy determination exercise. Differentials were looked at as part of our wider policy assessment at the time of the three-year review of rent restructuring, when many respondents to the consultation welcomed the policy.

Rent Subsidy Rules

Sarah Teather: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what local authorities were granted a derogation from housing revenue account rent rebate subsidy limitation rules in 2005–06.

Yvette Cooper: There have been no applications for a derogation from rent rebate subsidy limitation in 2005–06.

Roadside Advertising

Ben Chapman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether his proposals to create a database of unauthorised roadside advertisement companies will include the sites on which they advertise.

Yvette Cooper: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will liaise with local planning authorities on the type of information to be contained in the database of companies prosecuted for illegally advertising or selling illegal advertising alongside motorways and trunk roads.

Shropshire (Unitary Authority)

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the merits of Shropshire becoming a unitary authority.

Phil Woolas: A consultation meeting was held on 7 February with stakeholders in Shropshire. No conclusions have been drawn.

Squatters

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate the Government have made of the number of squatters in empty local authority housing.

Yvette Cooper: Information on the number of squatters in empty local authority housing is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Supermarkets (Planning Permission)

Keith Vaz: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what account is taken of competition issues when planning permission is considered for new supermarket stores.

Yvette Cooper: Planning policy statement 6: planning for town centres (PPS6) sets out the Government's planning policy for town centres and main town centre uses, which include retail. Statements of the Government's planning policy should be taken into account by those responsible for the preparation of both regional and local planning policy documents. Planning policy statements are also considerations which may be material to decisions on individual planning applications.
	The Government's key objective for town centres is to promote their vitality and viability and PPS6 sets out other Government objectives which need to be taken into account in the context of this key objective. One of these is directed at supporting an efficient, competitive and innovative retail sector. In planning for additional development local planning authorities are also advised to provide for consumer choice by ensuring that provision is made for a range of sites for shopping and other main town centres uses to meet the needs of the whole community.
	But PPS6 makes it clear that it is not the role of the planning system to restrict competition, preserve existing commercial interests or to prevent innovation. Each application for planning permission must be determined on its merits having regard to the policies in the relevant development plan and to any other material considerations. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Office for Fair Trading (OFT) have overall responsibility for competition issues.

Swindon Borough Council

Michael Wills: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the total cost of officials from his Department engaged full-time in supporting Swindon borough council has been since 2003.

Phil Woolas: No official from the ODPM has been engaged full-time in supporting Swindon borough council.
	A lead official was appointed in 2002 to monitor Swindon borough council's
	improvement. That official is paid at rates within the salary range for a senior civil servant at pay band 1, ie minimum rate £54,788 to maximum rate £76,156. During the period concerned, between two and four days each week have on average been spent on work related to Swindon.
	In addition £2 million has been provided, by ODPM and Department of Health, to support Swindon's improvement.

Telecommunication Transmitters

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether he proposes to alter the scope and powers of local planning authorities in relation to telecommunication transmitters.

Yvette Cooper: On 4 April 2005 I announced that the Government would be commissioning research into the future direction of electronic communications technology, and the need for mast developments. This research will inform the ongoing review of the planning arrangements for such developments.

Thames Gateway

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the public sector bodies involved in the Thames Gateway development.

Yvette Cooper: The key partners are identified in Creating Sustainable Communities: Delivering the Thames Gateway" (page 52), which sets out the Government's vision for and commitment to the Gateway. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Communities and Local Government announced last November that the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will additionally be publishing a strategic framework to help shape and guide investments, decisions and actions by Government and our delivery partners across the Thames Gateway.

Traveller Sites

Colin Burgon: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the traveller sites provided by each of the five local authorities in West Yorkshire; and how many pitches (a) there are and (b) are currently occupied on each site.

Yvette Cooper: As at the date of the last bi-annual Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Count, undertaken on 19 July 2005, the Gypsy and Traveller sites provided by local authorities in West Yorkshire were:
	Mary Street Gypsy Site, comprising 28 pitches, all occupied, and Esholt Gypsy Site, comprising 19 pitches, 16 of which were occupied, provided by City of Bradford metropolitan district council.
	Cottingley Springs Site, comprising 41 pitches, all occupied, provided by Leeds city council.
	Heath Travellers Site, comprising 39 pitches, 38 of which were occupied, provided by City of Wakefield metropolitan district council.
	No sites are provided by Calderdale metropolitan borough council or Kirklees metropolitan council.

Valuation Office Agency

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate (a) his Department and (b) the Valuation Office Agency made of the average size of (i) business premises which paid business rates and (ii) a Band D property in the last year for which estimates are available.

Phil Woolas: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister produces estimates of commercial and industrial floorspace from data received from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). Using these data, the average size of business premises in England and Wales at 1 April 2004 (the latest available data) was 433 m 2 . The figure for England was 434 m 2 and for Wales it was 429 m 2 .
	These figures are based on bulk class premises, namely retail premises, offices, factories and warehouses. These types of commercial and industrial property have floorspace information available from the VOA.
	The Valuation Office Agency has not separately produced any average size estimates for business premises.
	Neither ODPM nor the Valuation Office Agency has produced any average size estimates for Band D properties.

Workplace Bullying/Racism

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what advice his Department has given to local authorities on reducing (a) bullying and (b) racism in the workplace.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not give advice to local authorities on tackling bullying and racism. This line of advice would be given to local authorities by local government organisations such as the Local Government Association, the Employers' Organisation and the Improvement and Development Agency, or by national organisations such as the Commission for Racial Equality.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Adoption

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many (a) same sex couples and (b) civil partners applied to adopt children between 30 December 2005 and the most recent date for which figures are available.

Harriet Harman: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested is as follows:
	(a) 10 adoption applications have been received from same sex couples since the 30 December 2005.
	(b) Statistics for civil partners are not being collected.

Bullying

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what role school welfare officers play in preventing bullying and truancy in and from schools in Lancashire; and if she will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: Education welfare officers help to identify the causes of poor attendance, such as bullying where that is a factor, and work with both schools and families to resolve attendance issues, arranging home visits where necessary.
	In addition education welfare officers in Lancashire participate in regular truancy sweeps organised by the local authority and police.

Bullying

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what research her Department has (a) evaluated and (b) commissioned in the last three years on bullying in schools.

Jacqui Smith: The Department has not, in the last three years, evaluated any research on bullying in schools.
	The Department commissioned an external evaluation of our guidance to schools on tackling bullying, Don't Suffer in Silence", by researchers at Goldsmith's College, University of London. The results, though based on a fairly low response rate from schools, show that the schools found that the pack met their expectations and helped in drawing up their anti-bullying policies.
	This evaluation included research into the perceived success of the anti bullying strategies and interventions recommended in the guidance. Schools generally reported a high level of satisfaction with the interventions they had used.
	The Department commissioned the Thomas Coram Research Unit at the Institute of Education, University of London, to review the research evidence relating to homophobia in schools and to talk to groups with an interest in this area. The Department published their work in its Research Report series in late 2004, number 594, entitled Homophobia, Sexual Orientation and Schools: A Review and Implications for Action".

Chesterton Community High School

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which of the features of trust school status she considers would contribute to the raising of standards at Chesterton community high school in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Jacqui Smith: The opportunity to form partnerships with external organisations will strengthen trust schools' governing bodies, and help to invigorate school leadership by providing an external source of direction, continuity and focus for the school. Trust governors will help their schools to develop a distinctive ethos and approach to the curriculum and the organisation of the school, with a central focus on raising standards and creating new opportunities for children.
	A trust could therefore contribute to the raising of standards at a school like Chesterton community high school by involving external partners in the leadership of the school in a sustainable way. However, it would be for the governing body of Chesterton community high school to determine whether to make a link to a trust. A trust could also encourage collaboration if it supported a number of schools in the area.

Child Care

Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many child care places have been created in Doncaster North in each year since 1997.

Beverley Hughes: We do not have information relating specifically to the number of child care places in the Doncaster North constituency. Nor do we have information broken down to local authority level for the number of child care places for 1997 and 1998.
	The following table show the number of new child care places created in the Doncaster local authority area since 1999.
	
		
			  Gross new child care places Net increase in child care places (after closures) 
		
		
			 1999/2000 332 101 
			 2000/01 1,006 588 
			 2001/02 597 299 
			 2002/03 1,238 770 
			 2003/04 1,437 945 
			 2004/05 1,245 852 
		
	
	Figures quoted for years 1999/2000 to 2001/02 are based on local authorities' quarterly child care returns to DfES. From March 2003 onwards the figures are drawn from Ofsted's registration data.

Child Protection

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many individuals convicted or cautioned for a sexual offence against children listed under schedule 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 are not included on the Protection of Children Act 1978 List.

Ruth Kelly: holding answer 30 January 2006
	Since the establishment of the Protection of Children Act List all those individuals referred to the Secretary of State and who meet the criteria set out in legislation have been included in the Protection of Children Act List. That includes those people who have been referred with a caution or conviction for a sexual offence against children under schedule 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
	The Protection of Children Act 1999 List is primarily a referral system for employers who have dismissed an individual for misconduct that harmed a child or placed a child at risk of harm. For all regulated/child care positions it is mandatory to check whether individuals are on the Protection of Children Act List prior to appointment (subject to exceptions where, for example, another specified organisation has carried out a check within the last 12 months). That check is carried out through a CRB check. The Protection of Children Act List provides an additional safeguard within the CRB system for a limited range of circumstances set out in legislation, for example where somebody employed in a regulated child care position has been dismissed because they harmed a child.

Civil Servant Relocations

David Gauke: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many employees of (a) her Department and (b) the Office for Standards in Education have been redeployed from London and the South East since July 2004; and how many she expects to be redeployed in this way in the next two financial years.

Maria Eagle: My Department and sponsored organisations are implementing the Lyons Review recommendations to relocate around 800 posts from the Department and its non-departmental public bodies out of London and the South East by 2010.
	During the financial year 2004–05, 58 posts in DfES were relocated from London to our existing offices in Runcorn, Sheffield and Darlington. So far in 2005–06, 21 posts have been relocated and up to a further nine posts will have relocated by the end of period. There has been no redeployment of staff from London to fill these posts. There are no plans to redeploy staff out of London in the next two financial years.
	At 1 July 2004, Ofsted has just over 750 office-based posted in London and the South East. Ofsted estimate that by June 2006 there will be 360 office-based posts in London, as a result of their restructuring programme to meet the Government's efficiency target. To date, 30 staff have been redeployed to other Ofsted offices outside London and the South East and 49 staff have been redeployed to posts elsewhere in the civil service. Ofsted has no plans for further redeployment in the next two financial years.

Computer-based Marking

David Gauke: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she has taken to extend computer-based marking.

Jacqui Smith: The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, which regulates qualifications in England, has responsibility for ensuring that ICT is used appropriately and efficiently for examinations and tests. Some awarding bodies are piloting use of ICT to support marking of a range of different qualifications. Already, over 600,000 on-screen tests have been taken successfully by people seeking to gain key skills qualifications and skills for life certificates.
	Within the national curriculum test context, a new test in ICT at key stage 3, to be taken on-screen and marked by computer, is being developed, and subject to a successful pilot, will be introduced in 2008.

Consultants

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much her Department has spent on outside consultants in each of the last five financial years.

Bill Rammell: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Angus (Mr. Weir) on 31 January 2006, Official Report, column 340W.

Consultation (Youth Issues)

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the outcome of the consultations on youth matters was; what steps she plans to take as a result of those consultations; and if she will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: There was a record response to the consultation on the Youth Matters Green Paper, which attracted over 19,000 completed questionnaires from young people and 1,000 submissions from organisations, professionals and parents. They generally welcomed the proposals, with strong support for more opportunities for young people and empowering them to make decisions and influence provision. We will shortly publish the Government response and plans to implement the proposals.

Corporate Services

David Gauke: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures she has taken to improve the efficiency of corporate services functions within further education colleges; and what savings have been made as a consequence.

Bill Rammell: As part of the Learning and Skills Council's (LSC) agenda for change business excellence strand, the LSC will develop and share with colleges benchmarking data showing the relative efficiency of colleges' corporate services. Providing this information will demonstrate to colleges the potential for them to reduce spending on these services to current sector averages, increasing their own ability to deliver to the front line.
	We will be measuring efficiency gains from a range of specific initiatives which contribute to our Gershon efficiency target, including corporate services efficiencies in colleges. These are set out in our efficiency technical note. In most cases, the gains are recyclable at the frontline into other activities rather than being clawed back by the Department. The Department is reporting progress towards our overall efficiency target through existing departmental reporting processes. We reported progress towards our target in the Department's autumn performance report and will report further progress in the departmental annual report which we expect to publish in April.

Departmental Entertainment

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much was spent on entertainment by her Department in 2004–05; and how much of that sum is accounted for by (a) food, (b) alcohol, (c) staff and (d) accommodation.

Maria Eagle: All expenditure on official entertainment is made in accordance with Departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on the principles set out in Government Accounting. The Department for Education and Skills spent a total of £35,000 on entertainment in 2004–05. It is not possible to split these figures into the elements requested. The figures exclude costs incurred as part of official events or formal meetings held to further Departmental business.

Early Years Education

Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many three and four-year-olds in Doncaster North constituency have received (a) 12.5 hours a week, (b) 15 hours a week and (c) 20 hours a week of free early-years education in each year since 1997.

Beverley Hughes: Information is not collected in the form requested.
	All four-year-olds have been entitled to a free early education place since 1998 and from April 2004 this entitlement was extended to all three-year-olds. The free entitlement consists of a minimum of five two and a half hour sessions per week for 33 weeks of the year for six terms before statutory school age, which is the term following their fifth birthday. This will increase to 38 weeks from 1 April 2006 and to 15 hours a week by 2010. By that time, parents who wish to do so will also be able to access the free entitlement flexibly across a minimum of three days.
	Some local authorities may additionally offer subsidised child care places but this information is not collected centrally.
	Figures for January 2005 show that all four-year-old children receive some form of free entitlement. The figure for three-years-olds is 96 per cent. This covers all maintained, private, voluntary and independent providers and represents 535,100 three-year-olds and 568,300 four-year-olds.
	In January 2005 in Doncaster North constituency there were 800 free nursery places taken up by three-year-old children. The equivalent figure for four-year-olds was 940.
	The latest figures on early education places for three and four-year-olds in England were published in Statistical First Release 43/2005 Provision for children under five years of age in England—January 2005 (final)" in September, which is available on my Department's website at:
	http://www.dfes.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000604/index.shtml

Erasmus Lifelong Learning Programme

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what level of support for the Erasmus Lifelong Learning programme has been agreed for the UK for each of the years from 2007 to 2013.

Bill Rammell: The EU Education Council, which my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, chaired on 15 November 2005, reached a partial political agreement on the new lifelong learning programme for 2007–13, which includes Erasmus. This agreement covered all aspects of the programme except the budget, which was subject to agreement on the overall EU budget.
	While the December European Council reached agreement on the overall EC budget for the new financial perspective period 2007–13, the level of support for the Erasmus programme will depend on the outcome of negotiations with the European Parliament on both the overall size of the budget and the share of the relevant heading to be spent on the lifelong learning programme, and within that for Erasmus. Once this has been agreed, later this year, the programme will then return to the Education Council for the outstanding issues to be negotiated and for a political agreement to be sought. Only then will it be possible to determine the national allocations for each programme.

Foster Care Allowances

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of whether the proposed level of minimum foster care allowances are adequate; and what representations she has received from (a) representative, (b) expert and (c) voluntary groups in the field of fostering on the level of these allowances.

Maria Eagle: The national minimum allowance proposed in our consultation is based on thorough consideration of the research available into the cost of caring for a child and on the additional costs associated specifically with fostering children. The steering group that contributed to the development of the proposals included key stakeholders such as the Fostering Network and the British Association of Adoption and Fostering, local authority representatives, members of voluntary organisations, fostering services and others. Focus groups of foster carers, children with experience of foster care and fostering services also informed the consultation paper. It is too early to report on representations received in response to the consultation, which was launched on 31 January and will run for three months. We will produce a report on the consultation response in early summer, before announcing the level of the national minimum allowance in July.

Freedom of Information Act

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what total sum has been received by her Department for the provision of information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in its first year of operation.

Maria Eagle: The Department for Education and Skills has not charged for the provision of any information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
	The Freedom of Information Act allows for public authorities to determine when the cost of processing a request will exceed the appropriate limit, which for central Government is set at £600 and for the wider public sector £450. In this instance the public authority may decide to either approach the applicant to help them refine their request and where possible to bring it under the appropriate limit. Alternatively, public authorities may charge the applicant the cost of processing the request. There is, however, no obligation for Departments to provide information if the cost of processing the request exceeds the appropriate limit.
	Public authorities may also charge for disbursements when handling requests where it is deemed appropriate. Further information on the FOI fees regime can be found on the DCA website at http://www.foi.gov.uk/feesguide.htm

Further Education

Robert Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much funding was made available to further education colleges in (a) 2004–05, (b) 2003–04 and (c) 2002–03.

Bill Rammell: Information about the total Learning and Skills Council's (LSC) post-16 programme expenditure for all further education (FE) providers including colleges is available from the LSC's published accounts as follows:
	
		
			  £ billion 
		
		
			 2002–03 4,399 
			 2003–04 4,788 
			 2004–05 5,080

Further Education

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what arrangements are required for the vetting of staff in further education colleges, with particular reference to those in contact with pupils aged under 16.

Maria Eagle: We have made it clear in guidance that CRB checks are strongly recommended as part of the appointment process on anybody who will be working in a school or further education institution.
	Arrangements for the vetting of staff working in further education colleges are set out in the Department's guidance Child Protection: Preventing Unsuitable People from Working with Children in the Education Service" (issued May 2002) which states that
	Teachers, other staff and volunteers whose job regularly caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of children under 18 years of age should obtain an Enhanced Disclosure'.
	The guidance, 'Criminal Records Bureau: Managing the Demand for Disclosures' (issued December 2002), provides further advice about seeking disclosures.
	Safeguarding children in education" (September 2004) emphasises the wider responsibilities on employers including adopting recruitment practices which involve scrutinising applicants, verifying any qualifications, obtaining references, checking previous job history as well as the mandatory check of List 99 and CRB check where appropriate.
	Recent changes announced by the Secretary of State mean that existing arrangements detailed in the above guidance will be strengthened through the introduction of new regulations which will make an on appointment CRB check compulsory for all new appointments of teachers and teaching support staff in a further education institution who have not worked in a further education institution or school in the last three months.

Further Education

David Gauke: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures she has undertaken to improve procurement in the further education sector; and what assessment she has made of the effect of these measures on costs.

Bill Rammell: The Learning and Skills Council has recently established a procurement development team to drive forward improved procurement in the FE sector, working closely with the Centre for Procurement Performance at the Department for Education and Skills. Significant progress has been made over recent months including:
	the establishment of a sector network to trial new approaches and disseminate good practice;
	the development of an FE good practice guide to procurement across the sector;
	raising awareness of the use of procurement cards;
	developing a programme to improve procurement skills in the sector; and
	conducting a pilot of an e-procurement system.
	We will be measuring efficiency gains from a range of specific initiatives which contribute to our Gershon efficiency target, including improved procurement in the FE sector. These are set out in our Efficiency Technical Note. In most cases, the gains are recyclable at the frontline into other activities rather than being clawed back by the Department. The Department is reporting progress towards our overall efficiency target through existing departmental reporting processes. We reported progress towards our target in the Department's autumn performance report and will report further progress in the departmental annual report which we expect to publish in April.

Higher Education

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many applications to higher education institutions there were for the (a) 2006/07, (b) 2005/06 and (c) 2004/05 academic year; and if she will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: Latest figures published by Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) show that, between 2004/05 and 2005/06, total applicants from England to full-time undergraduate courses rose from 339,967 to 368,801, an increase of 8.5 per cent.
	Latest figures for 2006/07, covering students who applied by mid-January, show that applicants from England are down by 4.5 per cent., from 284,359 to 271,663. Given the big increase in applications last year, it is not unexpected that this year's UCAS application figures reveal a fall in comparison. But applications this year are still up by 12,500 (or 4.8 per cent.) compared to the corresponding figure in 2004, and I am confident that we will continue to see a return to a long term upward trend as happened after tuition fees were introduced in 1998. Figures from UCAS also show that there has been no reduction in the proportion of students from lower socio-economic groups applying to university.

International Student Assessment Study

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of (a) the key outcomes from the most recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Programme for International Student Assessment study and (b) the implications of the study for education policy in England; and if she will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: Because of our low participation rates in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), it was the view of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), that the data for the United Kingdom from the 2003 study could not be reliably used. It would therefore be inappropriate to try to draw conclusions for education policy in England from the data.
	The Government believe that international comparisons studies, such as PISA, offer unique and valuable insights into how the outcomes of our education system compare with those of other countries. That is why the Department for Education and Skills is putting its efforts into meeting the targets for school and pupil participation rates for the next PISA study which will take place later this year.
	However, in assessing the outcomes of any such studies, we will keep in mind the conclusions of the Education and Skills Select Committee in its Fifth Report of Session 2004–05, published on 9 March 2005, that
	the data supplied by international educational comparisons is both of interest and of use in the formulation of education policy. Nevertheless, individual studies always have their limitations and cannot alone form a sound basis on which to build the foundations of a publicly funded school system".

International Student Assessment Study

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what her Department's participation was in the most recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Programme for International Student Assessment study; and when that participation commenced.

Jacqui Smith: Ministers agreed to participate in the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) on 2 August 2000. Since 1997 the Department has been involved in the overall development of PISA through its membership of the international PISA Governing Board.
	As sponsor of the PISA study in England the Department appointed the Office for National Statistics (ONS) as data collection contractor for PISA 2003, after a tendering exercise. ONS collected data from a sample of schools chosen by the independent PISA Consortium which leads the study internationally. ONS supplied the resulting data directly to the Consortium. The Department published a Statistical First Release on 7 December 2004, detailing the status of the England and UK data.

International Student Assessment Study

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the response rate was for participation in the most recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Programme for International Student Assessment study; and which other OECD member countries achieved a similar response rate.

Jacqui Smith: The school and pupil response rates for the United Kingdom and other OECD countries for PISA 2003 are set out in the table as follows.
	
		
			  Weighted school participation rate after replacement (Percentage) 
			  Final sample—after school replacement Final sample—students within schools after school replacement 
		
		
			 OECD countries  
			 Australia 90.43 83.31 
			 Austria 99.29 83.56 
			 Belgium 95.63 92.47 
			 Canada 84.38 83.90 
			 Czech Republic 99.05 89.03 
			 Denmark 98.32 89.88 
			 Finland 100.00 92.84 
			 France 89.24 88.11 
			 Germany 98.82 92.18 
			 Greece 95.77 95.43 
			 Hungary 99.37 92.87 
			 Iceland 99.90 85.37 
			 Ireland 92.84 82.58 
			 Italy 100.00 92.52 
			 Japan 95.91 95.08 
			 Korea 100.00 98.81 
			 Luxembourg 99.93 96.22 
			 Mexico 95.45 92.26 
			 Netherlands 87.86 88.25 
			 New Zealand 97.55 85.71 
			 Norway 90.40 87.86 
			 Poland 98.09 81.95 
			 Portugal 99.31 87.92 
			 Slovak Republic 99.08 91.90 
			 Spain 100.00 90.61 
			 Sweden 99.08 92.61 
			 Switzerland 98.53 94.70 
			 Turkey 100.00 96.87 
			 United Kingdom 77.37 77.92 
			 United States 68.12 82.73

IT Equipment

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much funding her Department has allocated for IT equipment in schools in (a) West Lancashire and (b) England in each year between 1997 and 2005.

Phil Hope: The Department does not hold information on funding for ICT at constituency level. However, West Lancashire is in Lancashire LA and allocations for this authority, since 1998, are detailed in 'Funding for ICT in Schools in England" which is available in the House Library. The document also includes total funding allocations for schools in England in each year.

Learning Environments

David Gauke: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of changes in the productivity of teaching staff as a consequence of use of (a) virtual learning environments and (b) managed learning environments.

Jacqui Smith: The Department for Education and Skills has asked the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta) to undertake a study to assess the impact of both virtual learning environments and managed learning environments on the productive time of the front line workforce. This study will report in April 2006.

Level 2 Qualifications

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 16 January 2006, Official Report, column 1011W, on Level 2 Qualifications, how many EU member states have taken up the Level 2 entitlement since it was introduced.

Phil Hope: The latest full year volumes available are for academic year 2004/05 in which the Level 2 Entitlement (L2E) pilot was operating in the North East and South East regions only. The number of learners from national EU member states benefiting from free tuition for a first full Level 2 qualification in the L2E pilot regions in 2004/05 was less than ten from a cohort of 2,795 learners.

Lisbon Objectives

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to achieve the Lisbon objectives for education; and if she will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: The UK Government outlined its plans to achieve the Lisbon objectives in its national reform plan published in October 2005. This described how our national education and skills policies are contributing to the Lisbon objectives, in particular, through raising productivity and thereby contributing to economic growth.

Local Area Agreements

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when she expects to issue guidelines to local authorities on their commissioning role under local area agreements.

Jacqui Smith: Local area agreements are voluntary, three year agreements between central Government and local authorities and their partners. 66 phase two agreements, starting in April 2006, are currently being finalised on the basis of guidance issued in June 2005. This guidance is being reviewed, and will be revised as necessary in respect of phase three agreements to be negotiated in 2006–07.

Looked-after Children

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many looked after children were placed out of area by local authorities in the latest year for which the data are available; and what proportion of the total this represents.

Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. member to my answer of 18 July 2005, Official Report, column 1402W.

Physical Education

Andy Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what average number of hours per week of physical education was undertaken in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in Loughborough constituency area in 2004–05.

Jacqui Smith: The 2004–05 national school sport survey found that pupils in primary schools in the Burleigh school sport partnership in Loughborough spend an average of 95 minutes in a typical week on curriculum physical education (PE). The average time for pupils in secondary schools in the partnership is 111 minutes.

Physical Education

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will take steps to ensure that facilities for physical education and sport at Southfield school, Kettering enable the school to make provision for all pupils to participate in two hours of high quality physical education and sport each week.

Jacqui Smith: It is the responsibility of the schools and local authorities to determine how they allocate capital funds to different projects, including enhancing school sports facilities, taking account of local needs and priorities.
	Over the last three years, we have allocated over £191 million to Northamptonshire and schools in its area, which includes Southfield school, of which £101 million relates to a PFI contract and over £4 million to a Targeted Capital Fund (TCP) Scheme. In the next two years, 2006–07 and 2007–08, we are allocating over £65 million to the local authority, including £12 million for TCP schemes. Officials have been informed that Northamptonshire county council is considering how the facilities at Southfield school might be improved.
	The Government are investing £750 million in the New Opportunities for PE and Sport Programme across the United Kingdom over the period 2003–04 to 2007–08. £581 million was allocated to England, of which £25 million was passed to the Space for Sport and the Arts Programme and £30 million set aside for football projects within schools to be distributed via the Football Foundation. Of the £581 million allocated to England, £556 million has been committed to date and over £191 million spent.
	The Government's publication, Schools for the Future, Inspirational Design for PE and Sport Spaces, can be downloaded from www.teachernet.gov.uk/publications, using reference 2064–2005DOC-EN.

Postgraduate Courses

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps her Department is taking to encourage children from families on low income to pursue postgraduate courses.

Bill Rammell: The Government are committed to encouraging people from all backgrounds to take up research careers, and this includes making the career choice a more attractive one and the career more secure. As part of this, we have provided funding for an increase of one-third in the minimum Research Council PhD stipend between 2003–04 and 2005–06.
	The available evidence suggests that, once people qualify with a first degree qualification, their background does not significantly affect their decision to enter postgraduate study. The 2005 report Young Participation in Higher Education", by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), estimates that the degree of inequality between young postgraduate participation rates is similar to that of young undergraduate students suggesting that the effects of background are negligible at this stage.
	Our policies to widen participation at undergraduate level, including our reforms to student finance, and the Aimhigher programme which seeks to raise the attainment levels of young people and their aspirations to university, are therefore also likely to help to widen participation at postgraduate level.

Public Information

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much was spent on the Department's public relations and information services in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Bill Rammell: The following table lists spend on public relations and information services for the Department of Education and Skills, in each of the last five years.
	
		
			  Public relations Public relations expenditure as a percentage of total DfES spend Web services as part of ad campaign (£000) Web services expenditure as a percentage of total DfES spend Direct marketing phone lines (£000) Direct marketing phone line expenditure as a percentage of total DfES spend 
		
		
			 2001–02 283 0.001 0 0 734 0.004 
			 2002–03 259 0.001 0 0 200 0.001 
			 2003–04 411 0.002 0 0 426 0.002 
			 2004–05 630 0.002 236 0.001 412 0.001 
			 2005–06(25) 338 0.001 267 0.001 143 0.000 
		
	
	(25) Planned.

School Bus Passes

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what rules apply to the provision of school bus passes to (a) junior and (b) high school children.

Jacqui Smith: There are no specific rules relating to the provision of bus passes.
	Under current legislation local education authorities (LEAs) have a legal duty to make transport arrangements, which might include bus passes, where they consider it 'necessary' to secure a pupil's attendance at school. The law stipulates that it must always be considered 'necessary' where a child of compulsory school age attends their nearest suitable school, and this is beyond 'statutory walking distance' (two miles for those under the age of eight and three miles for those aged eight and over).

School Playing Fields

Andy Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many school playing fields in Loughborough constituency have been sold since May 1997.

Jacqui Smith: We have not approved any application involving the sale of a school playing field in Loughborough constituency since May 1997.

School Psychologists

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average waiting time is for a child in Lancashire to see a school psychologist.

Maria Eagle: This information is not collected centrally.

School Sport Facilities

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what funding her Department has made available for improvements to school sports facilities in (a) Tamworth and (b) England in each year between 1997 and 2005.

Jacqui Smith: Significant funding is being provided specifically to enhance PE and school sport facilities between 2001 and 2009. In total, £686 million of lottery funding is providing a step change in school sport facilities through the space for sport and arts and big lottery's new opportunities for PE and sport programmes.
	Local authorities and schools may supplement this with the formula capital funding that we provide to them. However, it is the responsibility of the schools and local authorities to determine how they allocate these funds to different projects, including enhancing school sports facilities, taking account of local needs and priorities. Records are not held centrally that show how much of this funding is spent on school sports facilities, neither am I able to provide a breakdown for Tamworth.

Schoolchildren (Employment)

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what estimate she has made of the number of children who work before school; what types of employment they are engaged in; and how many children are estimated to be employed in each type;
	(2)  if she will make a statement on her Department's assessment of the impact on children of carrying out paid work before the start of the school day.

Maria Eagle: The information requested is not collected centrally. Local authority bylaws establish in general what work children may undertake. Such bylaws may permit children to work for one hour before school, although not before 7 am. This limits the kind of work that children may legally carry out in the mornings before school. Within these limits, participation in suitable work is a matter for individual choice, with advice where necessary from parents, carers, and other relevant adults. Such work can offer young people an opportunity to develop their self-confidence and life skills, such as personal organisation and dealing with people.

Sector Skills Councils

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will rank the licensed Sector Skills Councils by proportion of their funding derived from the Sector Skills Development Agency in the last year for which figures are available; and what proportion of the balance of funding for each council was derived from (a) other public sources and (b) the private sector.

Phil Hope: The list shows the Sector Skills Councils ranked by proportion of their funding derived from the Sector Skills Development Agency. They are ranked highest to lowest by proportion of income (top to bottom of the list). Only the first 18 are ranked. The information is based on data collated in July 2005. Data was not available for the new/unlicensed SSCs at that point and ConstructionSkills is an outlier.
	Information on the proportion of balance funding derived from (a) the public sector and (b) the private sector is not given as the release of this information would prejudice commercial interests.
	1. Skillsmart
	2. AssetSkills
	3. Financial Services
	4. Summitskills
	5. Improve
	6. Goskills
	7. Automotive
	8. Justice
	9. Eskills
	10. People1st
	11. Cogent
	12. Skillsactive
	13. Logistics
	14. Skillsfast
	15. Lantra
	16. Energy and Utility
	17. SEMTA
	18. Skills for Health
	Skillset
	Lifelong Learning
	Care and Development
	ConstructionSkills
	Creative and Cultural
	Proskills
	Government Skills

Services Education

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 2 February 2006, Official Report, column 686W, on services education, how many admission forums have service representatives sitting on them.

Jacqui Smith: The Department does not collect information about the membership of admission forums. The Children's Education Advisory Service (CEAS), an agency of the Ministry of Defence that supports service families, believe that the CEAS, along with some Army and RAF welfare personnel, are represented on 15 admission forums.

Setting

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance her Department has issued regarding setting children by ability in schools.

Jacqui Smith: We have published case studies, research evidence and, through our National Strategies and Gifted and Talented programmes, issued guidance to schools to help support their own professional judgement when considering a range of ability grouping practices to better meet the learning needs of pupils and ensure their progression.

Skills Training (Universities)

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the provision of key skills training in universities.

Bill Rammell: Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous organisations and are therefore responsible for assuring the quality and standards of their own provision. However, there are a number of national measures in place to assist institutions in maintaining and continually improving standards, and to safeguard the public interest in sound quality and standards in higher education. These measures include the Quality Assurance Agency for higher education (QAA) and the Higher Education Academy, a sector owned body, set up to enhance teaching and learning in universities and colleges.

Special Needs

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the adequacy of special needs education funding in Hertfordshire; and if she will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: Local authorities have a duty to make appropriate provision for all pupils in their area, including those with special educational needs (SEN), through their locally agreed funding formula. In common with other authorities, Hertfordshire has benefited from the significant increases in funding that this Government have committed to education since 1997 and is set to receive an increase of 13.2 per cent. per pupil in its dedicated schools grant over the next two years.

Teacher Training

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the cohort size of each school-centred initial teacher training scheme is; and what the percentage change in the cohort size of each scheme is for the (a) 2006–07 and (b) 2007–08 allocation round.

Jacqui Smith: The cohort size of each school-centred initial teacher training scheme and the percentage change in cohort size for the 2006–07 and 2007–08 allocation round is provided in the following table.
	
		
			 Provider name 2005/06 allocation Change Percentage change 2006/07 allocation Change Percentage change 2007/08 allocation 
		
		
			 Billericay Educational Consortium 25 -1 -4.0 24 -1 -4.2 23 
			 Birmingham Primary Training Partnership 25 -1 -4.0 24 -1 -4.2 23 
			 Borough of Poole SCITT 25 0 0.0 25 0 0.0 25 
			 Bournemouth and East Dorset SCITT 25 -2 -8.0 23 -1 -4.3 22 
			 Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset East SCITT 24 0 0.0 24 0 0.0 24 
			 Bromley Schools Collegiate 30 0 0.0 30 0 0.0 30 
			 Chiltern Training Group 58 0 0.0 58 0 0.0 58 
			 Colchester SCITT 42 0 0.0 42 0 0.0 42 
			 Cornwall Early Years SCITT 25 -2 -8.0 23 -1 -4.3 22 
			 Cornwall SCITT 58 0 0.0 58 -2 -3.4 56 
			 CREDIT 25 0 0.0 25 0 0.0 25 
			 Cumbria Primary Teacher Training Centre 26 -1 -3.8 25 -1 -4.0 24 
			 Devon Primary SCITT Group 30 0 0.0 30 0 0.0 30 
			 Devon Secondary Teacher Training Group 27 0 0.0 27 -2 -7.4 25 
			 Durham Secondary Applied SCITT 30 2 6.7 32 0 0.0 32 
			 Essex Primary Schools Training Group 25 0 0.0 25 0 0.0 25 
			 Forest Independent Primary Collegiate 22 -1 -4.5 21 0 0.0 21 
			 Gateshead 3–7 25 0 0.0 25 0 0.0 25 
			 Gloucestershire SCITT Consortium 35 2 5.7 37 0 0.0 37 
			 Hastings and Rother SCITT 21 0 0.0 21 0 0.0 21 
			 High Force Education 30 -1 -3.3 29 -1 -3.4 28 
			 Jewish Primary Schools Consortium 20 -4 -20.0 16 0 0.0 16 
			 Kent and Medway Training 43 0 0.0 43 0 0.0 43 
			 Langdale Early Years SCITT 30 -5 -16.7 25 0 0.0 25 
			 Leeds SCITT 26 2 7.7 28 0 0.0 28 
			 Leicester and Leicestershire SCITT 25 0 0.0 25 0 0.0 25 
			 London Arts Consortium 13 0 0.0 13 0 0.0 13 
			 London Diocesan Board of Schools 25 -2 -8.0 23 -1 -4.3 22 
			 Marches Consortium SCITT 123 -2 -1.6 121 -2 -1.7 119 
			 Maryvale Institute 20 -3 -15.0 17 0 0.0 17 
			 Mid Essex SCITT Consortium 28 -1 -3.6 27 0 0.0 27 
			 Middlesbrough SCITT 19 0 0.0 19 0 0.0 19 
			 North Bedfordshire Consortium 24 0 0.0 24 0 0.0 24 
			 North East Essex Coastal Confederation 24 0 0.0 24 0 0.0 24 
			 Northampton Teacher Training Partnership 23 -6 -26.1 17 0 0.0 17 
			 Northumbria DT Partnership 31 -3 -9.7 28 0 0.0 28 
			 Nottingham City Primary SCITT 25 -2 -8.0 23 -1 -4.3 22 
			 Outstanding Primary Schools SCITT 71 11 15.5 82 0 0.0 82 
			 Portsmouth Primary SCITT 25 0 0.0 25 0 0.0 25 
			 Primary Catholic Partnership 26 -1 -3.8 25 -1 -4.0 24 
			 SCITTELS 40 -1 -2.5 39 -1 -2.6 38 
			 Shire Foundation 25 -2 -8.0 23 -1 -4.3 22 
			 Solihull SCITT Consortium 27 0 0.0 27 0 0.0 27 
			 Somerset SCITT Consortium 22 0 0.0 22 0 0.0 22 
			 South Essex, Southend and Thurrock 0 0 0.0 30 0 0.0 30 
			 South London Teacher Training SCITT 27 0 0.0 27 0 0.0 27 
			 South West Teacher Training 40 0 0.0 40 -2 -5.0 38 
			 Suffolk and Norfolk Secondary SCITT 52 -1 -1.9 51 0 0.0 51 
			 Suffolk and Norfolk Primary SCITT 57 -2 -3.5 55 -2 -3.6 53 
			 Swindon SCITT 30 0 0.0 30 0 0.0 30 
			 Tendring Hundred Primary SCITT 0 0 0.0 20 0 0.0 20 
			 Thames Primary Consortium 29 -1 -3.4 28 -1 -3.6 27 
			 The Dorset Teacher Training Partnership 24 -1 -4.2 23 -1 -4.3 22 
			 The Grand Union Training Partnership 25 -1 -4.0 24 0 0.0 24 
			 The Learning institute 32 0 0.0 32 0 0.0 32 
			 The North East Partnership 25 -3 -12.0 22 -3 -13.6 19 
			 The Pilgrim Partnership 40 -1 -2.5 39 -2 -5.1 37 
			 The Titan Partnership Secondary SCITT 26 -1 -3.8 25 0 0.0 25 
			 Wandsworth Schools Consortium 38 -1 -2.6 37 -2 -5.4 35 
			 West Mercia Consortium 30 -6 -20.0 24 -4 -16.7 20

Veterinary Students

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will include veterinary students in the exemption from tuition fees.

Bill Rammell: The Education (Student Support) Regulations 2006, which come into effect from September this year, do not exempt any group of students from the payment of tuition fees.
	From September, no eligible, full-time students will have to pay tuition fees before they start their course or while they are studying as they will be able to take out a fee loan to cover the full cost of their fees.
	Some students, exceptionally, have their tuition fees paid in full or part for specific courses leading to public sector employment, including medical courses and some teacher training courses. These schemes are funded by the relevant Government Departments.

Youth Support Services

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what role she expects for (a) the voluntary and (b) private sectors in the delivery of youth support services following commissioning under local area agreements.

Maria Eagle: We recognise the important role of the voluntary sector in developing and delivering services to young people, particularly those experiencing disadvantage. We are also keen to draw in the contribution of the private sector in planning and delivering a variety of opportunities for young people. Local area agreements, involving local authorities and a wide range of local partners, are an important part of these processes. Government offices, who negotiate agreements on behalf of central Government, need to be satisfied that all appropriate partners have been brought into the development, negotiation and delivery of each agreement.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agriculture Budget

Philip Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of the agricultural budget from the EU for the UK reached UK farmers in (a) 2004 and (b) 2005.

Jim Knight: The major category of budgetary expenditure, under pillar I of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), paid to producers is direct payments. Direct payments are paid directly to producers whose entitlement (prior to decoupling) was typically based on area of cropland or numbers of livestock.
	According to the EU Commission's FEOGA—Garantie: Depenses documents total CAP expenditure in the UK was £4.0 billion in the 2004 budget year and £4.2 billion in 2005. Using the definition of 'direct payments' in the Commission's provisional draft budget for 2006, the share going on direct payments to producers was estimated to be approximately 82 per cent. in both 2004 and 2005.
	In addition producers gain from expenditure on market price support (largely export refunds and intervention purchasing and storage costs). Expenditure on market price support measures is paid to intervention agencies or exporters, however, producers benefit from the higher market prices generated by these market interventions.
	Producers also receive expenditure on CAP pillar II measures (agri-environment schemes and rural development).

Agriculture Budget

Philip Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of the total agricultural budget of the EU reached farmers in the EU in (a) 2004 and (b) 2005.

Jim Knight: The major category of budgetary expenditure, under Pillar 1 of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), paid to producers is direct payments. Direct payments are paid directly to producers whose entitlement (prior to decoupling) was typically based on area of cropland or numbers of livestock.
	According to the EU Commission's Provisional Draft Budget for 2006, total expenditure under the CAP was €43.3 billion in the 2004 budget year and €48.8 billion in 2005. Using the definition of 'direct payments' in the same source the share going on direct payments to producers was estimated to be 69 per cent. in 2004 and 68 per cent. in 2005.
	In addition producers gain from expenditure on market price support (largely export refunds and intervention purchasing and storage costs). Expenditure on market price support measures is paid to intervention agencies or exporters, however, producers benefit from the higher market prices generated by these market interventions.
	Producers also receive expenditure on CAP Pillar II measures (agri-environment schemes and rural development).

Animal Welfare Bill

John Maples: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 25 January 2006, Official Report, column 298W, on the Animal Welfare Bill, if she will list the dates of each meeting held; who attended; and what matters were discussed.

Ben Bradshaw: Since 2001 the Department has held numerous meetings on the Animal Welfare Bill with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the British Veterinary Association. Representatives of the Council of Docked Breeds have attended meetings relating to the docking of dogs' tails. It would not be practical to list the dates, attendees and matters discussed.

Avian Influenza

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what precautions she recommends should be taken by owners of flocks of fewer than 50 birds to minimise risks associated with the spread of avian influenza;
	(2)  what mechanisms she is using to inform owners of avian flocks under 50 birds of their responsibilities in the event of an outbreak of avian influenza in the UK; and what advice she has provided to them.

Ben Bradshaw: Owners of all poultry flocks should follow the guidance on strengthening biosecurity measures set out in the leaflets, posters and advertisements that Defra has issued very widely.
	We also recommend that owners of less than 50 birds should register their flocks under the GB Poultry Register. In the event of an outbreak, this will help us to communicate with them more effectively, to alert them and provide them with necessary guidance.

Bass Fishing

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effect on charter boats in the South West of her proposal to increase the minimum length of bass that can be landed.

Ben Bradshaw: Defra's Consultation on measures to increase the number and size of bass closed on 8 February 2006. The partial Regulatory Impact Assessment issued as part of the Consultation set out our assessment of the costs and benefits of the proposed measures and sought comments on this assessment.
	There have been a large number of responses from stakeholders to the consultation, including from charter boat interests. Once an analysis of responses and the information provided has been completed, I will make an announcement on next steps.

Blueberries

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what was the total cost of imports of blueberries in (a) 2002 and (b) 2005.

Jim Knight: Blueberry trade is not recorded separately, it is recorded under the category 'other berries' which also includes, amongst others, blackberries, mulberries and loganberries. In 2002 the total value of imports for this category was £2.0 million. For the period January to November 2005 the total value of imports for this category was £5.0 million.

Bovine TB

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the annual Government expenditure on (a) farmer compensation and (b) testing and veterinary costs for bovine tuberculosis has been since 1998.

Ben Bradshaw: The information is as follows.
	
		Government expenditure on tuberculosis compensation,testing and veterinary costs since 1998  -- £ million
		
			  Activity 
			  Testing and veterinary costs Farmer compensation 
		
		
			 1998–99 6.61 2.36 
			 1999–2000 17.6 5.3 
			 2000–01 13.3 6.6 
			 2001–02 (26)5.4 9.2 
			 2002–03 24.7 31.9 
			 2003–04 33.2 34.4 
			 2004–05 36.4 35.0 
		
	
	(26) Testing was suspended due to foot and mouth disease

Burma

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much the Government have spent on projects promoting wild bat surveys in Burma in the last five years.

Jim Knight: Defra's Darwin Initiative has funded one project on bat surveys in Burma in the last five years. This project was to provide a national database for bats from limestone karst areas, an action plan for cave bats, and management plans for key karst areas. The Darwin Initiative committed a total of £120,000 to this project, spread over three years to March 2005.

Climate Change

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2006, Official Report, column 1350W, on climate change, if she will list the other Government Departments with whom her Department has been working closely.

Elliot Morley: We have been working closely with other Government Departments through a number of ministerial groups, including; the Sustainable Energy Policy Network, the Ministerial Committee on Energy and Environment (EE) and the sub committee on Sustainable Development (EE (SD).
	The Departments represented on these groups are:
	No. 10,
	Office of the Deputy Prime Minister,
	Her Majesty's Treasury,
	Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs,
	Cabinet Office,
	Home Office,
	Foreign and Commonwealth Office,
	Ministry of Defence,
	Department for Trade and Industry,
	Department for Transport,
	Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs,
	Department for Culture Media and Sport,
	Department for Health,
	Department for International Development,
	Department for Constitutional Affairs,
	Department for Education and Skills,
	Department for Work and Pensions,
	Scotland Office,
	Northern Ireland Office,
	Wales Office,
	Office of Science and Technology.

Climate Change

Peter Law: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her assessment is of the most cost-effective way to mitigate the projected climate change set out in the document Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change, published by her Department on 30 January.

Elliot Morley: The most effective way to mitigate the effects of climate change described in Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change is by a response as broadly based as possible. This needs to involve adaptation as well as emissions reduction. Emissions reduction should address all anthropogenic greenhouse gases and all economic sectors, including reduction of emissions from deforestation, and there should be enhancement of the uptake and storage of carbon by forests and soils. It will be most cost effective if action to limit and reduce emissions extends to the greatest possible number of countries, consistent with the principle of common but differentiated responsibility set out in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. The framework provided by the Convention and the Protocol will facilitate function of market mechanisms which promote cost effectiveness.

Commercial Developments (Energy Efficiency Standards)

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Government are taking to ensure that new commercial developments are built to the highest energy efficiency standards; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: I have been asked to reply.
	On 13 September 2005, I announced improvements to the energy efficiency standards set out in Part L of the Building Regulations. The Part L changes come into effect in April 2006 and will make a major contribution to the UK's commitment to combat climate change delivering increased energy standards of up to 27 per cent. for new commercial buildings. In support of these changes, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is working with the construction industry, including building control bodies to facilitate improved compliance.

Departmental Entertainment

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much was spent on entertainment by her Department in 2004–05; and how much of that sum is accounted for by (a) food, (b) alcohol, (c) staff and (d) accommodation.

Jim Knight: The figures include expenditure on official entertainment made in accordance with the principles set out in Government Accounting" and can range from tea and biscuits to catering for major events at which the Department—at official or Ministerial level—discusses a range of issues from high-level policy issues to highly technical, legal and scientific issues. All such expenditure is made in accordance with published departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety.
	Defra recognises and endorses that the expenditure of taxpayers' money on official hospitality is a highly sensitive matter and the slightest hint of casualness can lead to disproportionate adverse public reaction.
	Offering hospitality should not be regarded as the normal way of conducting Departmental business nor should it be offered merely because it is pleasant to provide it; indeed it is desirable to avoid the impression that business cannot be conducted without hospitality or entertainment.
	On each occasion Defra officials are required to consider carefully what form and extent of hospitality should be offered and if it can be justified—by both the host and the authorising officer—bearing in mind the need for economy and the limited funds available.
	
		
			 Defra 2004–05 £ 
		
		
			 Food 132,818 
			 Alcohol 4,848 
			 Staff 65,453 
			 Accommodation 60,674 
			 Other 134,110 
			 Total 397,903 
		
	
	Included in the 'Other' category are transactions which, owing to the limitations of information within our accounting ledger, cannot be classified into the categories asked for.

Departmental Staff

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many people were employed by the (a) Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, (b) Office of Water Services, (c) Veterinary Laboratories Agency, (d) Central Science Laboratory, (e) Veterinary Medicines Directorate, (f) Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and (g) Pesticides Safety Directorate in each of the last 12 months for which information is available; and how many and what percentage of posts were vacant in each region in each month.

Jim Knight: The figures requested are published in Civil Service Statistics. Table A covers staff numbers (on a FTE and headcount basis) for each organisation. Civil service statistics are available in the Library and at the following address on the Cabinet Office Statistics website: http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/management/statistics/index.asp
	Information on the number and percentage of vacant posts in each region and each month could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Engagements

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what date a Minister from her Department last visited Shropshire.

Jim Knight: A Minister from this Department last visited Shropshire on 25 February 2005.

Engagements

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will visit the Minsterley Agricultural Show this year in the hon. Member for Shrewsbury's constituency.

Jim Knight: No decisions have been reached yet on ministerial attendance at agricultural shows in 2006.

Engagements

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will visit the Wroxeter Vineyard in Shrewsbury constituency to discuss the impact of Government regulations on the development of English vineyards.

Jim Knight: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no immediate plans to visit an English vineyard having visited one just last month. However, my officials will be engaging with industry representatives in the coming months to discuss the impact of the EU wine regime on the UK in the context of European Commission thinking to reform the regime.

Farm Incomes

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average annual income of (a) dairy, (b) beef, (c) arable, (d) mixed and (e) sheep farmers in (i) England and (ii) Lancashire was in each of the last three years.

Jim Knight: Data on farm incomes according to the classification in the question are not available. The average net farm income for similar farm types in England and Lancashire over the last three years are shown in the table. Data for some farm types are missing due to insufficient farms in the sample.
	
		Average net farm income by farm type (£/farm)
		
			  England Lancashire 
			 March/February 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Dairy 16,400 23,600 26,400 15,102 16,173 16,598 
			 Grazing livestock (less favoured area) 17,700 15,000 13,400 16,627 13,204 10,970 
			 Grazing livestock (lowland) 6,400 7,100 5,400 — — — 
			 Cereals 13,200 36,400 15,600 — — — 
			 General cropping 15,600 56,800 32,200 — — — 
			 Mixed 11,400 24,400 16,400 — — — 
			 All types 16,600 29,500 21,200 19,836 25,502 15,546 
		
	
	Source:
	Farm Business Survey
	Net farm income is defined as the return to the principal farmer and spouse for their manual and managerial labour and on the tenant type capital of the business.

Farm Incomes

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) percentage and (b) real terms changes in total income from farming were in West Lancashire in each of the last four years.

Jim Knight: Estimates of total income from farming are not available for West Lancashire. However, statistical models are used to produce estimates for the whole of Lancashire which are given in the following table. It should be noted that these estimates are subject to sampling and other sources of statistical error and therefore need to be treated with caution.
	
		
			  Total income from farming Total income from farming in real terms (2005 prices) 
			  £ million Percentage change £ million Percentage change 
		
		
			 2000 16 — 18 — 
			 2001 39 141 43 136 
			 2002 28 -28 30 -29 
			 2003 21 -24 22 -26 
			 2004 19 -8 20 -11

GM Imports

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the recent World Trade Organisation ruling on the EU decision to help block new GM imports.

Elliot Morley: Owing to the WTO rules, I am unable to go into the details of the interim panel report at this stage. These rules stipulate that an interim panel report is confidential, and is only circulated to the parties to the dispute in order for them to send comments to the panel. However, once the final report is issued, this will be made publicly available.

Light Bulbs

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the merits of banning incandescent light bulbs on grounds of their relative inefficiency.

Elliot Morley: The Government remains fully committed to raising product standards and encouraging consumers to use the most efficient products available. The Government cannot itself though, simply ban or otherwise prevent the free trade in such products on the basis of their energy efficiency and therefore no assessment of the merits of banning incandescent light bulbs has been made. This would be reliant on the European Commission, other member states and the European Parliament agreeing that this was necessary.

National Wildlife Crime Intelligence Unit

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer of 31 January 2006, Official Report, column 372W, on the National Wildlife Crime Intelligence Unit, what options are under consideration for the future location of the National Wildlife Crime Intelligence Unit; what implications its relocation will have for its resourcing; and when she expects to reach a decision on its future.

Jim Knight: I am hoping to make a announcement on this shortly.

Pet Sales

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on how many occasions since 1 January 2004 her Department has sought legal opinion on the legality of (a) pet fairs and (b) pet markets, with particular reference to itinerant sales; what those opinions concluded; and if she will place copies of each opinion in the Library.

Ben Bradshaw: It is not current practice to disclose information about internal legal advice. However, I will shortly send the hon. Member a briefing note on the Bill which provides a summary of the law on pet fairs which we made available to the EFRA Select Committee on the Bill. A copy of the briefing note will be placed in the Library of the House.

Poland

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she is having with her Polish counterpart to encourage agricultural imports and exports between Poland and the UK.

Ben Bradshaw: There have been no recent discussions between the Secretary of State and her Polish counterparts concerning agricultural imports and exports between the Poland and the UK. However, Food from Britain and the International Agriculture Technology Centre, both funded by Defra and responsible for promoting exports of UK food and drink and primary agricultural products respectively, have undertaken activities to increase the level of exports of UK products to Poland.
	The type of activities include assisting producers to enter, evaluate and develop Poland as an export market, organising seminars and workshops in Poland and attendance at relevant trade shows. The products covered include red meat, fish, dairy, poultry, tea, alcoholic beverages, ambient groceries and aquaculture.

Potatoes

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many tonnes of potatoes were produced in Shrewsbury constituency in (a) 1989 and (b) 2005.

Jim Knight: We do not collect information specifically on potato production at a constituency level.
	It is possible to provide information on the area of potatoes grown within a constituency but only from 1992, the earliest year from which it is possible to compile data on this basis. The latest data are for 2004; the 2005 data are not yet available. An estimate of the production can be calculated using the average yield figure for England. Potato area data and estimates of production for Shrewsbury constituency for 1992 and 2004 are:
	
		
			  Potato area (hectares) Potato production (thousand tonnes) 
		
		
			 1992 1,678 77 
			 2004 1,255 54 
		
	
	Looking back to 1989, it is possible to provide information on the area of potatoes grown at a county level and calculate an estimate of production based on the average yield figure for England. Potato area data and estimates of production for Shropshire for 1989, 1992 and 2004 are:
	
		
			  Potato area (hectares) Potato production (thousand tonnes) 
		
		
			 1989 7,088 269 
			 1992 5,748 264 
			 2004 4,224 182 
		
	
	It should be noted that area data for 1992 are based on main holdings only; data for other years are based on all holdings. Data for 1989 and 1992 are for maincrop potatoes; data for 2004 are for early and maincrop potatoes.

Secondments

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many people from science and technology backgrounds have been seconded into the civil service in her Department in each of the last three years.

Jim Knight: Defra continues to promote and encourage the exchange of personnel between the Department and a range of organisations. In the last three years the Department has seconded individuals from both the private and public sector to develop and exchange good practice and expertise. Unfortunately detailed data regarding whether these individuals have science and technology backgrounds is not held centrally and would be possible only at disproportionate cost.

Single Farm Payment

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment her Department has made of the impact on farmers of late payments of the single farm payment.

Jim Knight: holding answer 13 February 2006
	In my statement on 31 January 2006, Official Report, column 10WS, I confirmed that payments under the Single Payment Scheme would begin before the end of February 2006. This is in line with the forecast made over a year ago and well within the EU regulatory window of 1 December 2005 to 30 June 2006. All evidence to date suggests no otherwise viable businesses will fail because of the timing of these payments, but I know cash-flow is currently an important issue for a number of farmers and that my statement has, consequently, been widely welcomed.

Single Farm Payment

Christopher Fraser: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effects the delays in single farm payments have had on the supply chain within the farming industry; and what discussions she has had with farmers on compensation for their creditors as a result of the delays.

Jim Knight: My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, and the rest of the Defra ministerial team meet regularly with farmers and their representatives, when the timing of payments under the single payment scheme (SPS) and the related impact on the agricultural industry are regular topics of discussion. The most recent such meeting was with the President of the National Farmers Union on 14 February, when my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State reconfirmed the Government's commitment to begin SPS payments before the end of February as was made clear in the statement on 31 January 2006, Official Report, column 10WS. I am sure that representatives of the agricultural supply chain, having previously expressed concerns about consequential effects of cash flow problems within the industry, will have welcomed that statement.

Tuberculosis Compensation

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what account was taken by her Department of the cost of replacing an animal with another of similar quality when setting the compensation level for cattle slaughtered under tuberculosis control measures before 1 February 2006;
	(2)  what weight (a) is given and (b) was given before 1 February, when considering the compensation value of a cow slaughtered under tuberculosis control measures, to the fact the animal is or was (i) from a closed organic herd and (ii) six months in calf to a pedigree South Devon Bull.

Ben Bradshaw: Prior to 1 February 2006 legislation required that the level of compensation for cattle affected by bovine tuberculosis (bTB) was market value, i.e. the price, which might reasonably have been obtained at the time of valuation, from a purchaser in the open market, if the animal were not affected by or exposed to bTB.
	Under the current table based cattle compensation system, which came into force on 1 February, no breed specific weighting is provided, nor is there weighting for organic cattle. However, there are separate tables for pedigree and non-pedigree animals. And compensation payments also vary according to the age and sex of an animal.
	A Cattle Compensation Advisory Group (made up of stakeholder representatives) will be established soon to help monitor the new compensation arrangements.

Tuberculosis Compensation

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will reassess the compensation provided for a cow slaughtered under tuberculosis control measures following the introduction of the new system on 1 February; what mechanism is open to the owner of a cow slaughtered under tuberculosis control measures to appeal against the compensation value assigned to the animal by a valuer appointed by her Department before 1 February; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The new arrangements for cattle affected by bovine tuberculosis came into force in England on 1 February 2006. In making these changes, the Department's objective is to have in place a system that promotes good industry practice, enhances disease control, addresses the serious (and independently identified) problem of over-compensation, and is fair to both cattle owners and the taxpayer.
	Under these arrangements, we believe that all farmers effectively gain because they are being compensated for disease affected animals (whose true worth are salvage value only) using a price based on the value of healthy animals.
	As part of government's ongoing commitment to work in partnership with stakeholders, Defra is setting up a Cattle Compensation Advisory Group involving industry stakeholder representatives. We expect this stakeholder group to help us monitor the new compensation arrangements.
	Under the previous system of compensation, there was no mechanism for appeal against valuations once a cattle owner and the department had agreed a valuer.

Waste Efficiency

Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the potential savings identified were in the report on waste efficiency savings in the London market jointly commissioned by her Department and the Greater London Authority; and what steps she plans to take to achieve these savings.

Ben Bradshaw: The report into waste efficiency savings in the London market jointly commissioned by Defra and the Greater London Authority identified efficiency savings of potentially £44.9 million for 2007–08 and £104.9 million for 2009–10.
	Plans to achieve these savings will be agreed with the GLA and stakeholders when the current review of the powers and responsibilities of the Mayor of London and the GLA is complete and in this regard, the Department expects to see a final package of measures for announcement in March 2006.

Wildlife Management/TB

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the public consultation on wildlife management and related TB issues.

Ben Bradshaw: I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement given on 15 December 2005, Official Report, columns 165–66WS, and the Debate on 15 December 2005, Official Report, columns 1442–49.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the nature of measures supported under the European programme for critical infrastructure protection; and what the treaty base is for such measures.

Douglas Alexander: Under the UK presidency of the EU, we agreed a set of principles for critical infrastructure protection. The Commission produced a Green Paper on the subject at the end of 2005, which is the focus of ongoing discussion between the Commission and experts from member states. Until there are concrete proposals, we cannot comment on the treaty base for a future programme.

Foreign Travel (Health and Safety)

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many UK citizens have died abroad as a result of accidental death or dismemberment in each of the last 20 years.

Kim Howells: Our records only go back to 1994 and the following table shows the number of accidental death cases of UK citizens handled by consular staff since then. We do not collect statistics on dismemberment.
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1994 384 
			 1995 360 
			 1996 373 
			 1997 344 
			 1998 369 
			 1999 358 
			 2000 310 
			 2001 270 
			 2002 260 
			 2003–04 295 
			 2004–05 389

Gibraltar

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Gibraltar on representation of the people of Gibraltar in the UK Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Douglas Alexander: My right. hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not had any recent discussions with the Government of Gibraltar on the representation of the people of Gibraltar in the UK Parliament.
	The hon. Member may also wish to refer to my reply of 9 February 2006, Official Report, column 1449W, which explains the Government's position on overseas territories' representation in Westminster and EU Parliaments.

Iran

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Iran regarding respect for human rights.

Kim Howells: We remain deeply concerned at human rights violations in Iran, and discuss our concerns frequently with the Iranian authorities, at both ministerial and official level. Senior officials most recently discussed human rights concerns with the Iranian Charge d'Affaires in London on 17 January, 24 January and 8 February; the British ambassador in Tehran did so when he met Deputy Foreign Minister Jalili on 4 January; and the Austrian Foreign Minister did so on behalf of the European Union when she spoke to her Iranian counterpart on 14 February. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised human rights concerns with Iranian interlocutors on several occasions last year.

Iraq

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received about the health of former Iraqi Foreign Secretary, Tariq Aziz; what consideration is being given to his release; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: Tariq Aziz is being held in Iraqi custody in Iraq. It is a matter for the Iraqi authorities if or when he may be released. We understand that he has complained of ill health and is receiving medical treatment.

Israel/Palestine

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government continues to recognise the pre-1967 Green Line as the international border of the State of Israel.

Kim Howells: We believe that it is for the parties to determine their permanent borders through mutual agreement in accordance with the road map. Under Phase III of the road map, both parties will determine their permanent borders through mutual agreement. Final status issues can only be resolved through negotiations and agreement between the parties themselves.

Israel/Palestine

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs concerning the introduction by Israel of additional movement restrictions on Palestinians in the Jordan Valley; and what representations he is making to the Government of Israel on the subject.

Kim Howells: We are concerned about the additional movement restrictions in the Jordan Valley just as we are concerned about free movement issues elsewhere. Israel has a right to protect its citizens from terrorist attack but also a duty to ensure the effect of its security measures on the Palestinian population are minimised. We will continue to raise this concern at all levels with the Israeli Government. In addition to this, we seconded a senior British Army officer to work with the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Quartet Special Envoy James Wolfensohn's team to examine ways of improving freedom of movement in the West Bank.

Israel/Palestine

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of UN resolutions 194 and 242 on the rights of Palestinian refugees; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the rights of Palestinian refugees are both respected and incorporated in future peace negotiations.

Kim Howells: We believe that the roadmap is the best way forward to secure a peaceful settlement in the Middle East. In phase three of the roadmap, the parties are to reach a final and comprehensive permanent status agreement that includes an agreed, just, fair and realistic solution to the refugee issue".

Kyrgyzstan

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken by his Department to support good governance, stability and the transition to democracy in Kyrgyzstan.

Douglas Alexander: I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to him on 10 January 2006, Official Report, column 465W.
	I met the Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Djekshenkulov on 1 February and reiterated our support for good governance, stability and democratic reform in Kyrgyzstan, including through the project work of the Department for International Development (DFID) office in Bishkek. On 31 January my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at DFID, Gareth Thomas, was able to deliver similar messages to Foreign Minister Djekshenkulov.
	The Ambassador and his team based in Almaty have been to Kyrgyzstan four times since the turn of the year and met various members of the Kyrgyz Government, including President Bakiev and Foreign Minister Djekshenkulov, as well as non-governmental organisations and other members of civil society. We will continue to work closely with other international partners and donors, including the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, US AID, United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank to ensure the effectiveness of our respective programmes and the continuity of our messages on democratic reform, good governance and stability.

Russia

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in the EU regarding human rights and the use of torture in Russia.

Douglas Alexander: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I regularly discuss relations with Russia with our EU counterparts, including human rights. The most recent discussion of Russia by all 25 EU Foreign Ministers took place at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 3 October. At this meeting, the EU's objectives for the 4 October EU-Russia summit were agreed. On the human rights situation, these related to Chechnya, judicial reforms, human rights defenders and media freedom. These points were raised by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister with President Putin at the summit.
	The human rights situation in Russia is the subject of regular discussions at Council Working Group meetings, including to prepare for EU- Russia human rights consultations. The specific issues of torture and combating immunity for perpetrators of torture were discussed during the March 2005 consultations.

Sugar Regime

Derek Conway: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the allocation of €190 million per annum to sugar protocol nations under the EU financial perspectives will be considered by (a) the EU Council and (b) the European Parliament.

Douglas Alexander: Following agreement at the December 2005 European Council to the overall ceiling for the 2007–13 Financial Perspective, the European Commission is expected to publish its proposal for a breakdown of expenditure for different instruments on 16 February. The Council and the European Parliament will take forward discussion of individual allocations on the basis of that proposal.

Venezuela

George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the Prime Minister's answer of 8 February 2006, Official Report, column 873, what rules of the international community the Government considers to have been broken by the Government of Venezuela; and if he will make a statement.

Douglas Alexander: I have nothing further to add to the answer my right. hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Elmet (Colin Burgon) at Prime Minister's Questions on 8 February 2006, Official Report, column 873.

Western Africa

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with authorities in (a) Mauritania and (b) Western Sahara about stopping the flow of illegal immigrants into Europe from these areas.

Kim Howells: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not held discussions with the Mauritanian authorities on this subject. The Government regard the status of Western Sahara as undetermined, and as a result we do not recognise any 'Western Saharan authorities'.
	The Government takes the issue of illegal migration very seriously. We are currently engaged in dialogue with EU partners, and both source and transit countries, on how best to meet this challenge. Substantial progress was made during the UK presidency to implement EU initiatives to tackle illegal migration across the Mediterranean and to strengthen co-operation with transit countries in North Africa. The 10th anniversary Euromed summit in November 2005 adopted a five-year work programme covering enhanced co-operation on all aspects of migration, including reducing illegal migration and trafficking in human beings. A Euromed ministerial meeting on migration will be held in 2006 to drive forward this agenda.
	The conclusions of December's European Council included a pledge to address illegal migration
	"in partnership with African countries and regional organisations, such as the Economic Community of West African States, through a range of fora, initiatives and regional meetings, including an EU-Africa Ministerial Conference in Morocco in 2006".
	Building on our presidency achievements, we will continue to encourage the EU to work in closer partnership with transit and source countries to tackle illegal migration across the Mediterranean and for improved migration management globally.

Western Africa

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will support an amendment in the Fisheries Council to the EU-Morocco Fisheries Partnership Agreement to exclude the territory of Western Sahara from the agreement.

Kim Howells: Article 2 of the fisheries agreement initialled on 28 July 2005 indicates that it applies to the Moroccan fisheries zone under the sovereignty or jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Morocco". This delimitation of the geographical scope of the agreement is identical to the delimitation in the previous agreement, which expired in 1999.
	The Government will consider its position on the draft agreement as part of the approval process, and in order to do so is currently awaiting further information from the Commission.

HEALTH

"Our Health, Our Care, Our Say"

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason patient and public involvement was not mentioned in her Department's White Paper Our Health, Our Care, Our Say".

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 13 February 2006
	The White Paper contains some very clear messages about how a stronger voice can be achieved by strengthening arrangements for patient and public involvement.
	Chapter seven sets out a series of principles which will underpin the strengthened voice for patients and the public in health and social care.

Alzheimer's Disease

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will publish a short version of the appraisal consultation document produced by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on the use of Alzheimer's disease drugs for distribution to those who responded to the consultation; and if she will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 14 February 2006
	No. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published the appraisal consultation document on its website at www.nice.org.uk. I understand that at the start of the consultation process, NICE sent copies of its consultation document to all those who had responded to its earlier consultation.

Alzheimer's Disease

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether her Department has submitted a formal response to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in connection with its appraisal of donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine and memantine for the treatment of Alzheimer's in addition to that submitted to NICE by her Department in March 2005.

Jane Kennedy: Yes. The Department submitted a formal response to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on 13 February. We will publish a copy of our response on the Department's website and will place a copy in the Library.

Ambulance Service

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what use the ambulance service made of public mobile communications networks during the response operation to the incidents on the London Underground and bus network on 7th July 2005.

Rosie Winterton: The London Ambulance Service National Health Service Trust uses an analogue radio system and mobile phones to communicate with and between front-line staff. Our understanding is that both were used on 7 July 2005.

Ambulance Service

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on plans to restructure ambulance services in Staffordshire.

Rosie Winterton: A 14-week consultation, led by strategic health authorities, is currently being held on the future organisation of ambulance trusts. The Department proposes that there are 11 trusts, including one that would incorporate the existing West Midlands, Staffordshire, Hereford and Worcester, and Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Ambulance Trusts. Any changes to the organisation of ambulance trusts will only happen following local consultation and discussion with relevant parties in the local area.

Ambulance Service

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received on plans to restructure ambulance service provision in Cambridgeshire; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: A 14-week consultation, led by strategic health authorities, is currently being held on the future organisation of ambulance trusts. The Department proposes that there are eleven trusts, including one that would incorporate the existing East Anglian, Essex and Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire National Health Service Ambulance Trusts. Any changes to the organisation of ambulance trusts will only happen following local consultation and discussion with relevant parties in the local area.

Anticholinesterase Drugs

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines for the use of anticholinesterase drugs.

Jane Kennedy: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has consulted on draft guidance on the use of anticholinesterase drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The consultation ended on 13 February 2006. NICE has not yet finalised its guidance to the national health service.

Avian Influenza

Peter Law: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to ensure key workers in (a) power plant operations, (b) telephone services and (c) other essential public services are inoculated against avian influenza.

Rosie Winterton: There has been some confusion between seasonal flu, avian flu and pandemic flu. Avian influenza is a disease which mainly affects birds. Seasonal flu refers to the viruses that circulate in the human population and cause widespread illness each winter. Pandemic flu will occur only after an avian virus has mutated into a strain to which large numbers of the population have not been exposed and which can spread easily between humans.
	We are finalising a contract for the purchase of a two to three million doses of vaccine against the H5N1 strain currently circulating in South East Asia and other areas. This vaccine can be used for research and for possible use for health care workers in an emergency, and may provide some limited protection against a pandemic emerging from that source. We hope to award this contract shortly and would receive some stocks early next year.
	No definite plans have been developed to vaccinate health care workers, or other key workers, against avian influenza.

Avian Influenza

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the total number of human (a) fatalities and (b) infections resulting from H5N1 avian influenza to date, broken down by country.

Rosie Winterton: The number of confirmed cases and deaths from avian influenza (H5N1) is provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) which is shown in the table. This information is regularly updated and is available on the WHO website at:
	www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/country/cases_table_2006_01_25/en/index.html.
	
		Cumulative number of confirmed human cases of avian influenza A/(H5N1) reported to the World Health Organisation, 25 January 2006
		
			  Cambodia China Indonesia 
			 Date of onset Cases Deaths Cases Deaths Cases Deaths 
		
		
			 2003 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 2004 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 2005 4 4 8 5 16 11 
			 2006 0 0 2 2 3 3 
			 Total 4 4 10 7 19 14 
		
	
	
		
			  Thailand Turkey Vietnam Total 
			 Date of onset Cases Deaths Cases Deaths Cases Deaths Cases Deaths 
		
		
			 2003 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 3 
			 2004 17 12 0 0 29 20 46 32 
			 2005 5 2 0 0 61 19 94 41 
			 2006 0 0 4 2 0 0 9 7 
			 Total 22 14 4 2 93 42 152 83 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Total number of cases includes number of deaths.
	2. HO reports only laboratory-confirmed cases.
	The WHO reports those cases confirmed in WHO collaborating laboratories.
	In Turkey, a total of 21 cases, including four deaths have been confirmed by the Turkish authorities, these include the four cases and two deaths in the table.

Avian Influenza

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what estimate she has made of the likely number of cases of strain H5N1 in the United Kingdom in the event of a pandemic;
	(2)  what estimate or range of estimates she has made of the likely death toll in the United Kingdom in the event of a pandemic of strain H5N1.

Rosie Winterton: The pandemic strain may not necessarily be H5N1. The widespread occurrence of a highly pathogenic avian (bird) influenza virus (H5N1) in poultry since 2003, which has also infected some people, is thought to provide a seedbed for the possible emergence of a new virus with greater affinity for people and thus the potential to cause a new pandemic.
	Estimates of the impact of an influenza pandemic are based on the best available evidence. However, the number of people affected and the impact on the healthcare system will depend critically on the detailed properties of the pandemic Flu virus.

Bowel Cancer

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what projections her Department has made of the expected take up of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in (a) 2005–06, (b) 2006–07 and (c) 2007–08;
	(2)  for Health in how many sites she expects to introduce bowel cancer screening in April;
	(3)  what the estimated total cost of the roll-out of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is to (a) her Department and (b) primary care trusts.

Rosie Winterton: NHS Cancer Screening Programmes are currently assessing strategic health authority bids for their local endoscopy units to become local screening centres.
	The Government have stated their commitment to a national bowel cancer screening programme. On 30 January 2006, the new Health White Paper, Our health, our care, our say: a new direction for community services" reaffirmed that the programme will be rolled out from April 2006. Departmental budgets for 2006–07 are currently being finalised, and announcements will be made in due course.

Bowel Cancer

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are in place (a) to inform people from (i)ethnic minorities, (ii) deprived areas and (iii) hard to reach groups about the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme and (b) to encourage them to participate.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 19 January 2006
	A bowel cancer communications group was set up in 2005 to discuss communications with the public when the bowel cancer screening programme begins. The voluntary sector, patient groups, researchers, NHS Cancer Screening Programmes and the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes press office are all represented on the group. The group is considering all aspects of communications, including reaching ethnic minorities, people from deprived areas and hard to reach groups.
	In addition, bowel cancer screening leaflets sent out with each invitation will be translated into a number of languages, as happens in breast and cervical screening now. Lessons are also being learned on how to reach these groups from the existing breast and cervical screening programmes, and from the bowel cancer screening pilot.

Bowel Cancer

Richard Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what central funding has been made available for the roll-out of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in (a) 2004–05, (b) 2005–06, (c) 2006–07 and (d) 2007–08; and what ring-fenced funding has been made available to primary care trusts to assist with the roll-out.

Rosie Winterton: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Norwich, North (Dr.Ian Gibson) today.

Bowel Cancer

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the national bowel cancer screening programme will be rolled out from April.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 2 February 2006
	The Government have stated their commitment to a national bowel cancer screening programme. On 30 January 2006, the new Health White Paper, Our health, our care, our say: a new direction for community services" reaffirmed that the programme will be rolled out from April 2006. Departmental budgets for 2006–07 are currently being finalised, and announcements will be made in due course.

Braintree Community Hospital

Brooks Newmark: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether (a) there are any plans to delay construction of the new Braintree Community Hospital on the site of St. Michael's Hospital, (b) the levels of funding originally planned for the new hospital have changed and (c) changes have been made to the project's scheduled completion date since its original approval; and what the scheduled completion date is for the hospital.

Rosie Winterton: Essex Strategic Health Authority (SHA) has no plans to delay construction of a new Braintree Hospital on the site of the existing St. Michael's Hospital. Witham, Braintree and Halstead Care Trust has consistently maintained that this private finance initiative (PFI) project had to fit hand in glove with the Mid Essex Hospital PFI scheme at Broomfield Hospital and this has taken time to negotiate.
	Witham, Braintree and Halstead Care Trust is currently pulling together its full business case (FBC) which will include revised capital costs and revenue costs. The care trust plans to bring its FBC to the SHA in the summer/autumn this year for consideration and approval.

Breast Cancer

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress is being made in rolling out HER2 testing for all women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Rosie Winterton: Professor Mike Richards, the National Cancer Director, is working with cancer networks to ensure that testing arrangements are put in place to enable women who require it to be tested for HER2 status. This work is ongoing.

Breast Cancer

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the reasons for the long-term trend in rates of breast cancer over the last 30 years.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 2 February 2006
	The reasons behind the increase in breast cancer rates are complex. The Cancer Atlas, published by the Office for National Statistics in 2005, states that most of the known risk factors for breast cancer relate to a woman's reproductive history and that lifestyle factors, such as poor diet and alcohol consumption, may also contribute to a higher risk.
	Although breast cancer rates are increasing, death rates are falling. Since 1997 there has been a 13 per cent. decrease in breast cancer mortality in those under 75.

Breast Cancer

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the (a) average and (b) longest wait for urgent breast cancer referral at the Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was in the latest period for which figures are available.

Rosie Winterton: The information is not available in the requested format. However, information relating to:
	the number of patients referred by their general practitioner with suspected breast cancer, by waiting time from referral to first outpatient appointment is shown in table 1; and
	the number of patients treated for breast cancer during the quarter within two months (62 days) of the decision to refer by their GP have been shown in the table 2.
	
		Table 1. Number of patients referred by their GP with suspected breast cancer, by waiting time from referral to first out-patient appointment—England and Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 2005–06 quarter 2
		
			Waiting time from referral to first out-patient appointment (days) 
			  Percentage seen within two weeks of referral Total referrals Under 14 15–16 17–21 22–28 Over 28 
		
		
			 Urgent referrals received by trust within 24 hours
			 Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust 100 281 281 0 0 0 0 
			 England 99.5 33,782 33,605 26 84 64 3 
			 
			 Urgent referrals not received by trust within 24 hours
			 Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 75.0 44 33 3 2 2 4 
			 England 87.5 1,875 1,641 59 101 35 39 
		
	
	Source:
	CWT-Db, Department of Health
	
		Table 2. Number of patients treated for breast cancer during the quarter within two months (62 days) of the decision to refer by their GP—England and Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 2005–06 quarter 2
		
			  Patients treated within two months Patients not treated within two months Percentage treated within two months 
		
		
			 Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 38 0 100 
			 England 4,268 100 97.7 
		
	
	Source:
	CWT-Db, Department of Health

Chelmsford Primary Care Trust

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  why the average NHS funding per person for the Chelmsford Primary Care Trust (PCT) area is less than the average figure for England; what measures are being taken to bring the funding for the Chelmsford PCT area closer to the average figure for England; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what the average NHS funding per person is in (a) England and (b) the Chelmsford Primary Care Trust area; and what each figure is projected to be in 2008.

Rosie Winterton: holding answers 6 February 2006
	The recurrent revenue allocations per head for 2005–06 and 2007–08 for Chelmsford Primary Care Trust (PCT) and England are shown in the table.
	
		Unweighted 
		
			  Allocation per head 
			  2005–06 2007–08 
		
		
			 Chelmsford PCT 975 1,159 
			 England 1,172 1,388 
		
	
	Revenue allocations are made to PCTs on the basis of the relative needs of their populations. A weighted capitation formula is used to determine PCTs' target shares of available resources, to enable PCTs to commission similar levels of health services for populations in similar need.
	The components of the formula are used to weight each PCTs crude population according to their relative need (age, and additional need) for healthcare and the unavoidable geographical differences in the cost of providing healthcare (the market forces factor).
	The formula does not determine allocations. The formula is used to set targets, which then inform allocations. Actual allocations reflect decisions on the speed at which PCTs are brought nearer to target through the distribution of extra funds (pace of change policy).
	Pace of change policy is decided for each allocations round. For the 2006–08 allocations, it has been decided to move PCTs more quickly towards their fair share of funds. As a result of this allocation round, no PCT will be more than 3.5 per cent. under its fair share by the end of 2007–08. At the start of 2006–07, Chelmsford PCT will be very close to their target allocation (only 0.1 per cent. below target).
	The reason that Chelmsford PCT receives lower allocations per person than the England average, is that the measurement of healthcare needs across the population of Chelmsford is lower than the England average.
	The development of the formula is kept under constant review by the advisory committee on resource allocation (ACRA). ACRA is an independent body, made up of national health service managers, academics and general practitioners. ACRA will make recommendations on any changes to the formula, that may be required in advance of the next round of allocations.

Chicken Farms

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if her Department will issue advice to educational establishments on the health implications for (a) children and (b) staff of a school of being in close proximity to a large-scale chicken farming establishment.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer14 February 2006
	The Department does not propose to issue advice on the health implications for children and staff of a school of being in close proximity to a large-scale chicken farming establishment.

Child Eye Examinations

Philip Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to ensure that parents understand the importance of eye examinations for children.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 31 January 2006
	Personal child health records are provided to parents after the birth of their child. The record provides families with a means of recording visits, immunisation, concerns raised and action taken. The record covers the range of health and development milestones and although it cannot go into the detail of conditions the record does prompt inquiries about vision and promotes further discussion and specific eye checks where indicated.
	Free sight tests are available under the national health service for children under 16 and those aged 16 to 18 in full time education. Sight tests allow the opportunity to review all aspects of eye health, including investigations for signs of disease.
	Information about the extensive arrangements for providing help with NHS optical services and other health costs are publicised in leaflet HC11 Are you entitled to help with health costs?".

Colon Cancer

David Gauke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how much was spent by the NHS in 2004–05 on testing for colon cancer;
	(2)  which test procedures are used to detect colon cancer; what plans she has to change the procedures; and if she will make a statement;
	(3)  what proportion of people over the age of 50 have undertaken a test for colon cancer.

Rosie Winterton: Screening for bowel cancer in England is currently only available as part of the English bowel cancer screening pilot in Coventry and Warwickshire. The pilot began in 2000, and is now into its third round of screening. People aged 58 to 69 are sent a kit called a faecal occult blood (FOB) test, which looks for hidden blood in the stools, an indicator that bowel cancer may be present. People are invited every two years, and complete the kit in their own homes before returning it to the laboratory where the results are interpreted.
	Around 2 per cent. of people who take the FOB test will be positive, and they are invited for a full bowel investigation called a colonoscopy.
	In 2004–05, 31,074 people were screened at a cost of around £800,000. Research and an independent evaluation of the pilot have shown that around 60 per cent. of the population take up their invitations to participate in bowel cancer screening.

Community Matrons

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Government are taking to increase the number of qualified community matrons in Bedfordshire; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: There are plans in place that by the end of 2007 there will be 3,000 community matrons in post in England. Strategic health authorities are monitoring primary care trusts (PCTs) to ensure that they are on target to achieve this.
	Bedfordshire PCT currently has two community matrons in post.
	PCTs in partnership with local stakeholders, have the responsibility to ensure that national health service establishments are adequately staffed to deliver high quality and sustainable services as well as ensuring the safety of those people under their care.

Community Matrons

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures the Government are taking to enhance the skills and training of community matrons in Bedfordshire; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: An outline of the responsibilities of community matrons was provided in the document, Supporting People with Long-Term Conditions—liberating the talents of nurses who care for people with long term conditions", which was published in February last year. Since then the Department has issued a competency framework to help employers and workforce planners develop education programmes, and community matrons themselves understand what additional knowledge and skills they need for the work. The Department will soon publish an education framework so that education providers can develop local programmes and commissioners specify contracts appropriately.
	In addition, this year the Department will be hosting a series of master-classes for community matrons, and the results will be published.
	The local health communities within the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Strategic Health Authority area, are working towards implementing the competency framework issued by the Department.

Delayed Discharges

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many delayed discharges there were in acute hospitals serving the Cambridgeshire area in the last 12 months; and how many acute hospital bed nights these represented.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		Acute delayed transfers of care
		
			  Papworth Hospital NHS Trust Peterborough and Stamford NHS Foundation Trust Cambridge Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Hinchingbrooke Health Care
			 Month Delayed transfers of care Number of days delayed Delayed transfers of care Number of days delayed Delayed transfers of care Number of days delayed Delayed transfers of care number of days delayed 
		
		
			 February 2005 1 21 13 370 64 2,071 7,130 
			 March 2005 1 22 9 371 61 2,437 14,297 
			 April 2005 0 17 16 347 60 1,882 12,299 
			 May 2005 0 3 16 304 46 1,545 13,421 
			 June 2005 0 0 13 323 53 2,140 7,366 
			 July 2005 0 0 7 216 48 1,427 799 
			 August 2005 0 0 7 217 39 1,515 13,197 
			 September 2005 0 2 10 328 32 1,802 9,370 
			 October 2005 0 0 14 327 26 1,244 9,231 
			 November 2005 0 0 10 302 41 1,366 15,271 
			 December 2005 0 0 10 453 53 2,163 9,490 
			 January 2006 0 3 7 247 37 704 9,343 
		
	
	Note:
	Data in the table are taken from local monitoring of delayed discharges included in the SITREPs collection. The delayed transfers of care figures are based on a snapshot taken on the last typical Thursday in the month. This differs to the day used in the separate, quarterly LDPR commissioner collections on which the figures published in the Statistical Supplement to the Chief Executive's Report to the NHS, December 2005 are based. The number of days delayed sums all delays in the month.
	Source: SitReps

Dentistry

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists in Hereford constituency whose training was funded by the NHS only treat private patients.

Rosie Winterton: The Department does not collect information on dentists who only treat private patients.
	It is not possible to ascertain whether an individual private dentist was trained using national health service funding. Nor is it possible to ascertain whether individual private dentists who were trained using NHS funding but subsequently declined to treat NHS patients are continuing to practice.

Dentistry

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS dentists stopped registering NHS patients in (a) 2003, (b) 2004 and (c) 2005.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not held centrally.

Dentistry

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS dentists have been practising in Peterborough constituency in each year since 1997.

Rosie Winterton: The number of general dental services (GDS) and personal dental services (PDS) in the Peterborough parliamentary constituency in each year since 1997, are shown in the table.
	Data on dentists that work purely in private practice are not held centrally.
	
		
			  Peterborough constituency 
		
		
			 1997 35 
			 1998 33 
			 1999 37 
			 2000 43 
			 2001 48 
			 2002 53 
			 2003 60 
			 2004 71 
			 2005 65 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Data includes all notifications of dentists joining or leaving the GDS or PDS, received by the Dental Practice Board, up to 19 October 2005. Figures for the numbers of dentists at specified dates may vary depending upon the notification period, for example, data with a later notification period will include more recent notifications of dentists joining or leaving the GDS or PDS.
	2. Dentists include principals, assistants and trainees. Prison contracts have been excluded from the data.
	Source:
	Dental Practice Board

Dentistry

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to ensure that sufficient NHS dentists are recruited in Bolton.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 13 February 2006
	Since 2003–04, the Department has invested an additional £250 million in national health service dentistry and supported the NHS in recruiting the equivalent of an extra 1,459 dentists to improve patient access. The Government are also funding an additional 170 training places per year from 2005.
	From April 2006, the NHS will be implementing major reforms to dentistry to build upon this success. New contracts for dentists will abolish the traditional fee per item remuneration system and support new ways of working with a greater focus on preventative care. Evidence from personal dental services pilot schemes is that these new ways of working free up significant capacity that dentists can then use in part to see a greater range of patients.
	Dentists' current NHS earnings will be protected for at least three years and there will be a five per cent. reduction in the courses of treatment that general dental services practitioners are expected to carry out each year.
	From April 2006, primary care trusts (PCTs), including Bolton PCT, will also have devolved responsibility and ring-fenced budgets for commissioning primary dental services. This means that, if a dentist leaves the NHS or reduces their NHS commitment, the resources stay with the PCT to be re-invested in local dental services.

Dentistry

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the personal dental service pilot in Wirral.

Rosie Winterton: Dental practices in Wirral have played an important role in piloting new ways of working through personal dental services (PDS) arrangements. There has been a major improvement in access to national health service dentistry across Wirral.
	The lessons learned in the Wirral and other pilot sites have informed the new arrangements for NHS dentistry being implemented from 1 April 2006. From this date, dentists in pilot PDS schemes are entitled to transfer to substantive PDS agreements under the new regulations.

Dentistry

Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff in the Dental Policy Directorate (a) are and (b) were (i) dentally qualified or practising dentists and (ii) officers of (A) the British Dental Association and (B) the Dental Practitioners' Association.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 19 January 2006
	There are five dentally qualified staff in the dental services team.
	The former employment of departmental members of staff is a matter for the individuals concerned, and it is not the Departments policy to collect or publish such information.

Dentistry

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on school dentistry in each primary care trust in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Rosie Winterton: This information is not held centrally. We estimate the full cost of the community dental services, in which dentists who visit schools are employed, is approximately £100 million per annum.

Dentistry

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were registered with an NHS dentist in Essex in each of the last five years; and how many new registrations there were in each year.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 2 February 2006
	The information requested is shown in tables 1 and 2. General dental services (GDS) and personal dental services (PDS).
	
		Table 1: Number of patients registered with a national health service dentist as at 30 September in each specified year.
		
			  Patients registered 
		
		
			 2001 811,966 
			 2002 803,307 
			 2003 800,476 
			 2004 779,539 
			 2005 768,789 
		
	
	
		Table 2: New registrations and registrations deleted in Essex strategic health authority (SHA) at each month end since January 2001
		
			  Registrations 
			 Month Added Deleted 
		
		
			 January 2001 47,475 51,549 
			 February 2001 57,477 54,332 
			 March 2001 45,671 49,261 
			 April 2001 50,905 60,422 
			 May 2001 44,281 34,860 
			 June 2001 47,278 48,408 
			 July 2001 46,853 43,991 
			 August 2001 41,354 54,830 
			 September 2001 66,458 57,690 
			 October 2001 54,134 64,392 
			 November 2001 56,007 42,808 
			 December 2001 44,101 45,458 
			 January 2002 40,004 37,860 
			 February 2002 38,601 42,644 
			 March 2002 35,700 35,988 
			 April 2002 34,665 32,815 
			 May 2002 54,496 53,763 
			 June 2002 41,147 44,926 
			 July 2002 39,128 35,726 
			 August 2002 41,684 54,905 
			 September 2002 64,930 56,516 
			
			 Break in series1 — — 
			
			 October 2002 40,352 44,256 
			 November 2002 57,057 47,710 
			 December 2002 38,482 38,897 
			 January 2003 40,438 46,571 
			 February 2003 46,017 54,494 
			 March 2003 51,209 45,115 
			 April 2003 40,253 37,126 
			 May 2003 43,050 51,508 
			 June 2003 41,354 44,133 
			 July 2003 44,348 45,255 
			 August 2003 61,416 60,413 
			 September 2003 63,710 70,878 
			 October 2003 56,734 52,922 
			 November 2003 44,950 50,353 
			 December 2003 48,049 42,888 
			 January 2004 36,165 40,347 
			 February 2004 41,460 46,085 
			 March 2004 55,432 39,384 
			 April 2004 43,352 39,083 
			 May 2004 43,100 35,653 
			 June 2004 44,012 34,932 
			 July 2004 43,396 40,910 
			 August 2004 43,793 51,037 
			 September 2004 63,934 54,973 
			 October 2004 94,045 46,043 
			 November 2004 77,679 50,265 
			 December 2004 66,290 30,745 
			 January 2005 69,917 48,777 
			 February 2005 55,006 67,576 
			 March 2005 75,304 53,419 
			 April 2005 72,788 50,099 
			 May 2005 33,536 66,758 
			 June 2005 27,339 88,203 
			 July 2005 36,855 57,288 
			 August 2005 27,947 63,207 
			 September 2005 35,503 53,796 
			 October 2005 31,395 34,617 
			 November 2005 31,326 33,949 
			 December 2005 32,720 32,027 
		
	
	(27) Between January 2001 and September 2002 data are for GDS dentists only. From October 2002 onwards the data are for GDS and PDS dentists.
	Notes:
	1. Table 2 indicates monthly additions and deletions to registrations within Essex SHA. However it is not possible to say if they are new registrations.
	2. Some of the patients being added to the list will be patients regarded as old patients by dentists (or the patients) who are being re-registered after a gap of more than 15 months (GDS).
	3. A yearly breakdown for table 2 is not possible as this may include duplications in registrations added and registrations deleted. This data should only be used as a monthly snapshot.
	4. Most PDS schemes that have registrations have re-registration periods in excess of fifteen months, so the figures for PDS schemes are generally higher than they would have been for the same attendance pattern under GDS.
	Source: Dental Practice Board

Dentistry

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what the average waiting time is for residents in Chorley constituency to be taken on as NHS patients by a dental practice;
	(2)  how many dental practices are taking new NHS patients in Chorley constituency.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not held centrally.

Dentistry

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what steps she is taking to minimise increases in charges for NHS dental work;
	(2)  what assessment she has made of the effects on health of cost disincentives to people in relation to regular dental check-ups.

Rosie Winterton: From April 2006, a new system of patient charges will be introduced, based on the recommendations of a working group comprising of representatives of the dental profession, consumer organisations and other stakeholders. It will be a simpler system with three charging bands for overall courses of treatment, as opposed to the current system of over 400 separate charges for individual items of treatment. The maximum charge for dental treatments will fall from £384 to £189.
	The cost to an individual patient for a given course of treatment will in some cases be more than now, and in other cases less. The overall level of charges raised will however, be the same proportion of dental expenditure as has historically been the case.
	The working group, on whose recommendations the system is based, expressed a concern that the current system, based on over 400 charges ranging up to £384, may deter some people from seeking treatment because of confusion as to what that might have to pay. Part of their reason for recommending a simple, three-band system was to prevent this confusion in future.

Dentistry

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists, excluding orthodontists, have been employed by the NHS in (a) Leicester and (b) England since 1997.

Rosie Winterton: Most general dental practitioners are self employed contractors working in general dental services (GDS) and personal dental services (PDS). The table shows the numbers of GDS and PDS dentists in England and Leicestershire County as at 30 September each year. It is not possible to exclude orthodontists from these figures, as they are not employed under separate GDS and PDS contracts.
	
		
			   England Leicestershire County 
		
		
			 1997 16,670 170 
			 1998 17,199 174 
			 1999 17,755 179 
			 2000 18,167 186 
			 2001 18,722 183 
			 2002 18,946 195 
			 2003 19,260 201 
			 2004 19,722 207 
			 2005 20,890 213 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Information is provided by county, as it is not available in the format requested.
	2. The postcode of the dental practice was used to allocate dentists to specific geographic areas. County areas have been defined using the Office for National Statistics all fields postcode directory.
	Source:
	Dental Practice Board

Dentistry

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS dentists there were in Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency in (a) 2004 and (b) 2005.

Rosie Winterton: The table shows the number of national health service dentists in the Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency in 2004 and 2005:
	
		General dental services (GDS) and personal dental services (PDS): number of dentists in Shrewsbury and Atcham parliamentary constituency as at 30 September each year
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 2004 71 
			 2005 80 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Data includes all notifications of dentists joining or leaving the GDS or PDS, received by the Dental Practice Board, up to 19 October 2005. Figures for the numbers of dentists at specified dates may vary depending upon the notification period; for example, data with a later notification period will include more recent notifications of dentists joining or leaving the GDS or PDS.
	2. Dentists include principals, assistants and trainees. Prison contracts have been excluded from the data.
	3. The postcode of the dental practice was used to allocate dentists to specific geographic areas. Constituency areas have been defined using the Office for National Statistics all fields postcode directory.
	Source:
	Dental Practice Board

Dentistry

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the impact of the new dental contract on practices where children are treated under the NHS if their parents pay for their treatment.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 9 February 2006
	Under The National Health Service (General Dental Services Contracts) Regulations 2005 and The National Health Service (Personal Dental Services Agreements) Regulations 2005, dentists will no longer be able to accept children as NHS patients only on condition that their parent or parents agree to private treatment.

Dentistry

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS dentists there have been in West Suffolk in each year since 1997.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is shown in following table.
	
		General dental services (GDS) and personal dental services (PDS): number of dentists within Suffolk West primary care trust as at 30 September each year
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1997 78 
			 1998 77 
			 1999 84 
			 2000 87 
			 2001 93 
			 2002 104 
			 2003 109 
			 2004 115 
			 2005 121 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Data includes all notifications of dentists joining or leaving the GDS or PDS, received by the Dental Practice Board, up to 19 October 2005. Figures for the numbers of dentists at specified dates may vary depending upon the notification period, e.g. data with a later notification period will include more recent notifications of dentists joining or leaving the GDS or PDS.
	2. Dentists include principals, assistants and trainees. Prison contracts have been excluded from the data.
	3. The postcode of the dental practice was used to allocate dentists to specific geographic areas. PCT areas have been defined using the Office for National Statistics all fields postcode directory.
	Source:
	Dental Practice Board

Dentistry

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS dentists have been employed by Eastern Leicester Primary Care Trust in each year between 1997 and 2005.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		General dental services (GDS) and personal dental services (PDS): number of dentists within Eastern Leicester Primary Care Trust as at 30 September each year
		
			  Eastern Leicester PCT 
		
		
			 1997 87 
			 1998 89 
			 1999 95 
			 2000 87 
			 2001 85 
			 2002 77 
			 2003 78 
			 2004 86 
			 2005 96 
		
	
	Notes:
	l. Data includes ail notifications of dentists joining or leaving the GDS or PDS, received by the Dental Practice Board, up to 19 October 2005. Figures for the numbers of dentists at specified dates may vary depending upon the notification period, e.g. data with a later notification period will include more recent notifications of dentists joining or leaving the CDS or PDS.
	2. Dentists include principals, assistants and trainees. Prison contracts have been excluded from the data.
	3. The postcode of the Dental Practice was used to allocate dentists to specific geographic areas. PCT areas have been defined using the Office for National Statistics all fields postcode directory.
	Source:
	Dental Practice Board

Dentistry

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much her Department estimates the changes to NHS dentistry will save (a) Eastern Leicester Primary Care Trust and (b) the NHS over the next five years.

Rosie Winterton: The national health service dental reforms being implemented from April 2006 are not designed to release financial savings. On the contrary, the Department has given a commitment that, for at least the next three years, primary care trusts (PCTs) will be expected to maintain at least the current level of NHS investment in primary dental care services. The reforms give greater flexibility to PCTs to commission and develop dental services in ways that best meet the needs of their local population.

Dentistry

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in the registration of clinical dental technicians with the General Dental Council.

Rosie Winterton: The General Dental Council has agreed that appropriately qualified clinical dental technicians should be registered and allowed to see edentulous patients, without prior review by a dentist, for the purpose of supplying and maintaining complete dentures. The register will be opened later this year.

Dentistry

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many dentists served (a) Yorkshire Wolds and Coast Primary Care Trust and (b) East Yorkshire Primary Care Trust in each of the last five years.

Rosie Winterton: Data on the number of dentists working purely in private practice is not held centrally. The numbers of national health service dentists with a general dental services (GDS) contract or personal dental services (PDS) contract for the specified primary care trusts (PCTs) are provided in the following table.
	
		Number of GDS and PDS dentists within the specified PCTs as at 30 September each year
		
			   East Yorkshire PCT Yorkshire Wolds and Coast PCT 
		
		
			 2001 53 37 
			 2002 55 45 
			 2003 58 45 
			 2004 59 41 
			 2005 63 51 
		
	
	Notes:
	Data includes all notifications, received by the Dental Practice Board, up to 19 October 2005. Figures for the numbers of dentists at specified dates may vary depending upon the notification period, for example, data with a later notification period will include more recent notifications of dentists leaving the GDS or PDS.
	Source:
	Dental Practice Board

Diabetes

Dai Havard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects the clinical guideline for footcare which forms a part of the type two diabetes guideline to be reviewed.

Jane Kennedy: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) plans to publish its guidance on type two diabetes, including footcare, in July 2008. Further information can be found on NICE's website at www.nice.org.uk

Domiciliary Oxygen

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will publish correspondence between her Department and its agencies since January 2005 about the direct supply of domiciliary oxygen for patients by the British Oxygen Company and its subsidiaries.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 15 February 2006
	Since January 2005, the British Oxygen Company (BOC), like all other companies tendering for the direct supply of the domiciliary oxygen service to patients, received correspondence about the evaluation of bids, including an invitation to make a presentation to assessment panels in support of tenders submitted and, where necessary, requests for further information.
	In addition, the Department and the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency corresponded with BOC in relation to the company's award of one regional contract for this service and this included feedback on the evaluation of tenders for all service regions submitted by BOC. This correspondence includes information that is commercially confidential to BOC and there is no agreement with BOC as to its publication.

Domiciliary Oxygen

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what guidance her Department has issued to (a) patients and (b) health care professionals on changes in the provision of domiciliary oxygen; and on what dates the guidance was issued;
	(2)  what guidance her Department has issued to pharmacies since January 2005 on the provision of domiciliary oxygen; and on what dates the guidance was issued.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 15 February 2006
	The national health service primary care contracting website www.primarycarecontracting.nhs.uk provides advice and guidance to primary care trusts and others on communicating changes to patients and health care professionals, including pharmacists, on the provision of domiciliary oxygen. Information has been available since July 2005 with updates provided on a weekly basis.
	In addition, the Department has been working with the British Lung Foundation and new suppliers to provide information to patients.
	Part 10 of the drug tariff, which relates to the provision of home oxygen, provides updated advice to pharmacies and others, with changes made on 1 October 2005 and 1 February 2006.

Eating Disorders

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what types of eating disorders are treated by the NHS; and how many people are estimated to be suffering from such disorders.

Rosie Winterton: Data relating to patients presenting with eating disorders and who were treated by the national health service in 2004–05 is shown in the table. This data may include duplicate episodes where the same patient presented for treatment for the same condition at different times; disclosure rules apply due to the sensitive nature of the data, thus the figures have been rounded to the nearest 10; and they may not add up due to rounding.
	
		Number of patients with a primary diagnosis of an eating disorder, by gender, in England, 2004–05
		
			  Gender 
			 Type of eating disorder Male Female Total 
		
		
			 Anorexia nervosa 80 930 1,010 
			 Bulimia nervosa 10 90 90 
			 Overeating associated with other psychological disturbances 0 0 0 
			 Vomiting associated with other psychological disturbances 10 20 30 
			 Other eating disorders 20 50 60 
			 Eating disorders not otherwise specified 30 150 180 
			 Total 140 1,230 1,360 
		
	
	Source:
	Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), NHS Health and Social Care Information Centre.
	The national health service provides treatment for eating disorders, and other medical conditions, on the basis of clinical need. We regard the issue of eating disorders very seriously, and have asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to publish guidelines on core interventions for eating disorders as part of its second programme of work. NICE published clinical guidelines on eating disorders in January 2004, to inform individual NHS organisations about best practice.

Emergency Preparedness

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the statement of 19 October 2005, Official Report, column 925, on emergency preparedness, when the group chaired by the deputy chief medical officer to examine NHS bed capacity in the event of an influenza pandemic was established; when she expects the group to make recommendations; whether these recommendations will be published; and what resources have been set aside in preparation for implementing the recommendations of the group.

Rosie Winterton: The group chaired by the Deputy Chief Medical Officer first met in October. The group has discussed issues relating to national health service additional bed capacity during a flu pandemic, and a range of issues are being taken forward.
	The group met again in January to discuss progress. Resources to support emergency planning and preparedness for major incidents including a possible flu pandemic have been included within the global allocations made to primary care trusts and acute trusts. This includes resources for critical care services. However, the position regarding resources will be reviewed once the guidance prepared by the group considering critical care services is available.

Essex Strategic Health Authority

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the (a) job title, (b) salary including payment by results elements and (c) total employment costs were for each of the highest paid five employees in the Essex Strategic Health Authority in 2004–05.

Rosie Winterton: This information requested is not held centrally.
	The information on salaries of executives of national health service organisations are published in their annual reports and accounts.

EU Committees

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many meetings of the (a) Committee of senior officials on public health, (b) Committee for the implementation of the Community action plan to combat cancer and (c) Committee on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the member states concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products have taken place during the UK presidency of the EU; who presided over each meeting; what other UK representatives were present; what provisions were made for representation of the devolved governments; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The Committee of Senior Officials on Public Health did not meet during the United Kingdom presidency of the European Union.
	We are not aware of the committee for the implementation of the community action plan to combat cancer.
	The committee on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the member states concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products met once during the UK presidency of the EU. Commission tobacco officials chaired the meeting. Two departmental tobacco officials attended, representing the UK.
	The UK Government takes into account the views and interests of the devolved administrations when formulating the UK's policy position on all EU and international issues which touch upon devolved matters. Provision for attendance at EU meetings by Ministers and officials of the devolved administrations is set out in paragraphs 4.12–15 of the Concordat on Co-ordination of European Union Policy Issues (part of the Memorandum of Understanding between devolved Ministers and the UK Government). Ministers from the devolved administrations have attended and do attend councils, by agreement with the lead Whitehall Minister.
	A copy is available on the Department for Constitutional Affairs' website at: www.dca.gov.uk/constitution/devolution/pubs/odpm_dev_600629.pdf.

European Health Insurance Card

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the average time taken between an eligible individual applying for and receiving a European Health Insurance Card.

Rosie Winterton: There are three different ways to apply for a European Health Insurance Card:
	online;
	telephone and by
	post
	Delivery time is dependent on application method currently, the average time taken from receipt of application is between three and five days, with internet the fastest route and post the slowest.

Foster Review

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will place in the Library before the February Adjournment a copy of the Foster Review of Regulatory Bodies.

Jane Kennedy: May I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Romsey (Sandra Gidley) on 13 February 2006, Official Report, column 1765W.

General Osteopathic Council

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the work of the General Osteopathic Council.

Jane Kennedy: The role of all regulatory bodies including the General Osteopathic Council have been considered in the context of the review of non-medical regulation.

Health White Paper

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the Swift campaign referred to in paragraph 2.42, of the White Paper, Our Health, Our Care, Our Say, was introduced; what resources have been committed to support the campaign in each year since its introduction; whether she has assessed the effectiveness of the campaign; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: Shift is a five year initiative, running from 2004 to 2009, as part of the National Institute for Mental Health in England's work tackling the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health issues. Shift is funded by the Department and it received £900,000 in 2003–04 and £1 million in 2004–05.
	Shift's work is steered by a board of advisors comprising people from the voluntary sector, the Department and from the National Institute for Mental Health in England, and its work programme is overseen by the Department and a cross government network focusing on mental health issues.
	Further information about Shift is available from its website at www.shift.org.uk.

Hearing Aids

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health from what date in 2008 patients waiting for audiology aids and testing will be covered by the proposed 18-week maximum waiting time from the date of initial referral to fitting of a device; and if she will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: The Department is currently reviewing the principles and definitions for the 18-week patient pathway, in light of the listening exercise conducted at the end of 2005. The final principles and definitions will be published in the spring of 2006.

Hearing Aids

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will introduce a waiting list target for digital hearing aids; and if she will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: The Department is considering the results of a recent listening exercise on the principles and definitions to govern the 18-week pathway. In the light of comments received, we will publish conclusions in the spring. To go further on audiology at this stage would pre-empt those conclusions.

Hearing Aids

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will take steps to ensure that the waiting time for an NHS analogue or digital hearing aid is reduced to 18 weeks.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 13 February 2006
	The Department is considering the results of a recent listening exercise on the principles and definitions to govern the 18-week pathway. In the light of comments received, we will publish conclusions in the spring. To go further on audiology at this stage would pre-empt those conclusions.

Hemel Hempstead Hospital

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will reassess her decision to close the (a) intensive treatment unit, (b) cardiac unit, (c) stroke unit and (d) acute accident and emergency services at the Hemel Hempstead Hospital in the light of the Buncefield oil depot fire and subsequent explosion in Hemel Hempstead; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The decision to change what services are provided by the West Hertfordshire Hospital Trust is the responsibility of the trust in partnership with the primary care trusts who commission services from the trust and with the strategic health authority who is responsible for ensuring services meet the needs of the populations that they serve.

Herceptin

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of eligible women with metastatic breast cancer are treated with Herceptin in the Northern Cancer Network.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not held centrally.

Herceptin

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of eligible women with metastatic breast cancer in England were treated with Herceptin in the latest period for which figures are available.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not collected centrally.

High Security Mental Hospitals

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients have escaped from high security mental hospitals in each of the last five years.

Rosie Winterton: No patients have escaped from within the secure area of the high security hospitals in the last five years. During the same period, five patients absconded while on leave of absence. All five patients were returned to their hospitals within a short period of time without any offences being committed.

Home Oxygen Services

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the new arrangements for delivering home oxygen services.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 14 February 2006
	Healthcare professionals, patients' representatives and others helped develop the new arrangements and welcome this opportunity to provide a modernised service offering patients the latest oxygen equipment to improve their quality of life. Plans are to manage the change to the new arrangements over a six-month programme from 1 February 2006 to support continuity in patient services. However, in the first few days, huge volumes of orders—many for delivery of oxygen supplies at a future date—disrupted this programme. Prompt action has put these plans back on course and we continue to monitor these closely to ensure patients are receiving a reliable service.

Hospital Pharmacies

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many out-patient pharmacies there are in hospitals; and in how many cash is the only available means of payment.

Jane Kennedy: The Department does not collect information on the number of out-patient pharmacies in hospitals.
	Neither is information collected about the arrangements which hospitals have in place to collect prescription charges. This is a matter for local decision.

Hospital Trusts (Thefts)

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many NHS hospital trusts have reported losing diagnostic equipment worth at least £10,000 from thefts in the last 12 months;
	(2)  what advice the NHS Security Management Service has issued to NHS hospital trusts in the last 12 months on how to protect drugs and equipment from organised criminals.

Rosie Winterton: 11 national health service trusts have reported thefts of diagnostic equipment worth over £10,000 in the past 12 months to the NHS Security Management Service (NHS SMS).
	The NHS SMS issues alerts to all NHS health bodies indicating where risks to the security of drugs and equipment have been identified. For example, an alert regarding the protection of endoscopy equipment was issued on 7 December 2005, containing 10 key pieces of advice for health bodies to assist them in both preventing and detecting such thefts.
	The NHS SMS manual, launched on 17 March 2005, contains guidance on the better protection of NHS drugs and equipment. NHS health bodies' nominated security management directors and accredited local security management specialists are directed to have regard to this manual in the discharge of their security management function.
	NHS SMS is also actively exploring the options for making use of new technology to track and trace high value pieces of NHS equipment. This electronic tagging may be used in the future as both a preventative measure and to monitor the whereabouts of key pieces of medical equipment.

Joint Scrutiny and Overview Committee

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she will reply to the invitation of the Joint Scrutiny and Overview Committee for Sutton, Merton, Kingston and Surrey to attend one of its meetings to discuss her decision in respect of better healthcare closer to home.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 13 February 2006
	A reply from the Secretary of State's office was sent on 6 February 2006.

Macmillan Nurses

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures she is taking to increase the numbers of Macmillan nurses working for the NHS in Shropshire.

Rosie Winterton: It is for trusts to decide how many nurses including palliative care nurse specialists, are employed in each specialty within hospitals. It is for local cancer networks working in partnership with primary care trusts, strategic health authorities and their workforce development directorates to assess, plan and review their workforce, education and training needs for all staff linked to the delivery of local and national priorities for cancer.

Medical Students (Newcastle)

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many students there were at (a) the Newcastle upon Tyne Medical School and (b) the Newcastle upon Tyne Dental School in each of the last five years; and what plans she has to increase the numbers of such students.

Rosie Winterton: Table one shows the full-time undergraduate student numbers for medicine and dentistry at the joint Newcastle and Durham Medical and Dental school for 2001–02 to 2005–06. Table two shows the actual intake for new students for 2001–02 to 2005–06.
	
		Table 1: Full-time undergraduate Home and European Union medical and dental students (pre-clinical and clinical) for Newcastle and Durham universities
		
			  Dental Medical 
		
		
			 2001–02 339 1,023 
			 2002–03 337 1,132 
			 2003–04 344 1,301 
			 2004–05 358 1,440 
			 2005–06 384 1,583 
		
	
	
		Table 2: Intake to Newcastle Medical and Dental schools
		
			  Newcastle medical school(28) Newcastle dental school 
		
		
			 2001–02 287 70 
			 2002–03 344 70 
			 2003–04 355 72 
			 2004–05 363 81 
			 2005–06(29) 381 100 
		
	
	(28) Includes students based at University of Durham, Queens Campus, Stockton from 2001–02.
	(29) Provisional information awaiting confirmation of July 2006 student numbers in November 2006.
	Source:
	Higher Education Students Early Statistics survey.
	We announced jointly with the Higher Education Funding Council for England the allocation of 108 extra medical school places last month. This builds on the 68.7 per cent. increase in medical school places we have already overseen between 1997–98 to 2004–05. Also, 100 extra dental school places were also announced last month, including the development of a new dental school in the South West. All these places were allocated following highly competitive bidding exercises. We will continue to look at the scope for further expansion in line with national health service and workforce planning requirements.

Mental Health

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance she has issued to general practitioners on the prioritisation of people with severe mental illnesses for immunisation against (a) influenza and (b) avian influenza.

Rosie Winterton: It is important to be clear about the differences between seasonal flu, avian flu and pandemic flu. Avian influenza is a disease which mainly affects birds. Seasonal flu refers to the virus that circulates in the human population and causes widespread illness each winter. Pandemic flu will only occur after an avian virus has mutated into a novel strain which can spread easily between humans and to which they do not have immunity.
	We do not currently prioritise people with severe mental illnesses for immunisation against influenza and have made no specific plans to prioritise this group of people for immunisation against pandemic influenza.
	As a specific vaccine will not start to become available until four to six months after the pandemic virus has emerged, it is unlikely to be available for the first wave. When stocks start to become available, priority may have to be given to certain groups. Health care workers and other essential service key workers may need to be vaccinated first, as it will be important to maintain health and other essential services. Those groups most at risk of serious illness will be a priority to receive the vaccine as supplies increase.
	Final decisions regarding prioritisation will be made on the basis of information emerging from the early stages of the pandemic about the virus and those groups most at risk.

Mental Health

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she has taken in response to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommendations that psychological treatment should be offered prior to drug treatment for patients suffering from psychological conditions; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: Local health communities are expected to review their existing practice in the treatment and management of various mental health problems against the guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. The reviews should consider the resources required to implement any recommendations relating to the use of psychological interventions and the timeline over which full implementation is envisaged. As announced in the recent White Paper, 'Our health, our care, our say: a new direction for community services', the Government are committed to expand access to psychological therapies. To this end, two demonstration sites are being established for people of working age with mild to moderate mental health problems with the aim of helping them to remain in or return to work. The sites will also aim to establish an evidence base for the effectiveness of such therapies and to support the extension to non-working age people and those with moderate to severe mental illness.

Mental Health

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the consistency and effectiveness of prescribing practices within the NHS for delivering the most effective drug therapies to individuals affected by psychological problems; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: Responsibility for prescribing rests with the clinician caring for the patient. Prescribers have an ethical responsibility to inform patients about the treatment proposed including any possible side effects of prescribed medicines. It is the responsibility of local national health service bodies to ensure that robust clinical governance arrangements are in place to prevent poor prescribing. Local clinical audit and peer review provide an incentive for clinicians to study their patterns of care and improve prescribing standards. Clinical guidelines developed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence provide recommendations for good practice in the management and treatment of various mental health problems.

Mental Health

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the requirement is for inspection of in-patient care facilities for people with mental illness in (a) the independent sector and (b) NHS establishments.

Rosie Winterton: The Healthcare Commission has a statutory duty to assess the management, provision and quality of healthcare provided by the national health service. NHS trusts with inpatient mental health facilities are reviewed annually, and are awarded annual performance ratings.
	The independent (private and voluntary) mental healthcare sector is also regulated by the Healthcare Commission, through registration, annual inspections and through the monitoring of complaints and information. The Healthcare Commission's duty to regulate and inspect independent healthcare is laid out in the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act" (2003), the Care Standards Act" (2000), and the Department's Private and Voluntary Healthcare (England) Regulations" 2001 and National Minimum Standards" 2002.
	Detailed information about the Healthcare Commission's work on inspecting NHS and independent sector mental health inpatient facilities is available from the Healthcare Commission's website at www.healthcarecommission.org.uk.

Mental Health

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much accommodating NHS patients detained under the Mental Health Acts in private sector beds cost in each year since 1997, broken down by strategic health authority area.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not available. Data for detained patient costs is not collected, but the total costs for secure unit activity from non-national health service providers for the most recent year which data are available, 2003–04, and which includes detained patient costs, is shown in the table.
	Secure unit service costs are not collected on an individual strategic health authority basis. Data for other years from 1998 is available on the Department's website at www.dh.gov.uk/refcosts, within worksheet TMHv, and data for 2004–05 is due for publication in March.
	
		
			 Secure unit activity from Non-NHS providers Number of occupied bed days 2003–04 national average unit cost (£) Total activity cost (£) 
		
		
			 Local psychiatric intensive care units 4,896 652 3,193,309 
			 Low level secure services 57,096 376 21,444,545 
			 Medium level secure services 100,760 441 44,438,180 
			 High dependency secure provision: women's services 442 754 333,192 
			 High dependency secure provision: mental health/ psychosis 1,226 407 499,349 
			 High dependency secure provision: learning disabilities 6,728 305 2,054,729 
			 High dependency secure provision: personality disorder 578 433 249,988 
			 Total — — 72,213,290

Ministerial Visit

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to visit Hemel Hempstead constituency in this Session of Parliament.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 8 November 2005
	The Secretary of State for Health has no current plans to visit Hemel Hempstead in this Session of Parliament.

NHS Finance

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 11 January 2006, Official Report, column 732W, on NHS Finance, whether the NHS staff with a track record of helping challenged NHS trusts included in the turnaround teams will be remunerated by the organisation which has been awarded the contract to operate turnaround teams; whether she intends to award further contracts to turnaround teams in addition to the contract for the initial assessment referred to in her previous answer; and what total budget she has set aside for all such contracts is in (a) 2005–06 and (b) 2006–07.

Jane Kennedy: The turnaround teams were announced by the Secretary of State in a ministerial statement on 1 December 2005, Official Report, column 37WS. The teams will comprise of experts with a mix of commercial and national health service turnaround skills.
	If NHS staff are used to help turnaround, arrangements will be made with the NHS staff's employer.
	A contract for a national programme office to co-ordinate and manage the turnaround teams has been awarded to consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers.
	Turnaround financial support for the transition leaders across the country will be contracted through the Department.
	The value of all these contracts are to be treated as commercial in confidence.

NHS Medicines (Fraud)

John Butterfill: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of whether companies are being fraudulently set up to supply fake medicines under licence to the NHS; what steps she is taking to prevent this; and if she will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 14 February 2006
	The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), as the Government body responsible for the safety and licensing of medicines in the United Kingdom, is undertaking retrospective checks on companies that have submitted wholesale dealer's licence applications and has conducted a review of processes for checking the bona fides of applicants for wholesale dealer's licences. New arrangements for checking information provided in such applications are being established. These will include more detailed checks on companies and individuals, as well as on the experience, qualifications and personal credentials of those named on a licence.

NHS Trusts (Chartered Accountants)

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 16 January 2006, Official Report, column 470W, on NHS trusts (chartered accountants), whether (a) employment history and (b) professional qualifications are included in the information presented to Ministers when they appoint non-executive directors of health trusts; and whether Ministers have an input into the appointment of executive directors.

Rosie Winterton: The Secretary of State has delegated responsibility for the appointments of non-executive chairs and members to national health service boards to the NHS Appointments Commission. The Appointments Commission ask candidates to provide details including career history and qualifications that are pertinent to the role they have applied for.
	The Secretary of State has no role in the recruitment of executive directors as these appointments are for individual NHS trusts to undertake.

NICE Guidance

Dai Havard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how stakeholders may submit new evidence of relevance to a published clinical guideline to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence;
	(2)  what steps she takes to ensure that National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines are as up-to-date as possible.

Jane Kennedy: Stakeholders may write, at any time, to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to draw NICE'S attention to new evidence of relevance to a published clinical guideline.
	The updating of NICE'S clinical guidelines is a matter for NICE. NICE follows an established process for ensuring that its guidelines are updated. The process that NICE follows can be found in the guides, 'The Guideline Development Process—An Overview for Stakeholders, the Public and the NHS', and technical manual, 'Guideline Development Methods—Information for National Collaborating Centres and Guideline Developers'. These guides are available on NICE'S website at www.nice.org.uk

NICE Guidance

Dai Havard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether one section of a National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence clinical guideline may be reviewed after two years without reviewing the whole guideline;
	(2)  what evidence is considered when deciding whether to review a National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence clinical guideline two years after publication.

Jane Kennedy: The process of reviewing the evidence underpinning a clinical guideline is expected to begin four years after the date of issue of this guideline. Reviewing may begin earlier than four years if significant evidence that affects the guideline recommendations is identified sooner. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) considers whether new evidence is significant evidence that may affect the guideline recommendations.
	NICE is currently consulting from 25 November 2005 until 17 February 2006 on its process for reviewing clinical guidelines and the consultation document, 'Proposals for making the guideline development process more efficient'. Further information on this consultation can be found on NICE'S website at:
	www.nice.org.uk/pdf/CG_Tech_Consultation.pdf

Non-geographic Telephone Lines

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what steps she is taking to ensure that users of the NHS are informed of changes by NHS service providers to non-geographic telephone lines;
	(2)  how revenue from calls to NHS service providers using non-geographic telephone lines is used;
	(3)  how many NHS service providers in England use non-geographic telephone lines; and if she will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: It is the responsibility of local management to ensure users of the national health service are informed of changes by NHS service providers to non-geographical telephone lines.
	Information on how revenue sharing from calls to NHS service providers using non-geographical telephone lines is used is not collected centrally.
	Information on the number of NHS service providers in England and Wales using non-geographical telephone numbers is not collected centrally.

Optometrists

Andrew Pelling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make it her policy for NHS patients to have the right to see the optometrist of their choice under the NHS.

Rosie Winterton: It is already the case that eligible patients may apply to any contractor on a primary care trust ophthalmic list to have a national health service funded sight test.

Orthodontic Practices

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1) what agreement was reached on 13 January with the British Orthodontic Society regarding the contractual arrangements for new practices;
	(2)  if she will make a statement on the dental contract arrangements for new orthodontic practices.

Rosie Winterton: The Department will shortly be issuing further guidance on the new arrangements for orthodontic care and treatment, which will take into account discussions with the British Orthodontic Society.

Orthodontic Practices

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the number of new orthodontic practices established in (a) 2004 and (b) 2005; and what steps she is taking to ensure that their contracts are based on current activity levels.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not available.
	Following discussions with the British Orthodontic Society, the Department will shortly be issuing further guidance to primary care trusts on agreeing appropriate contracts for orthodontists whose current levels of activity are above the levels reflected in the reference period.

Palliative Care

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total amount of Government spending on (a) palliative care and (b) hospices was in each of the last 30 years.

Rosie Winterton: The Department does not collect the data requested. The level of funding given to local hospices is a matter for discussion between the commissioning primary care trust and the hospice.

Parkinson's Disease

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the level of funding has been for patients suffering from Parkinson's disease in Bedfordshire in each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: Primary care trusts, in partnership with local stakeholders, have the responsibility for deciding what services to provide for their populations, including those with Parkinson's disease. They are best placed to understand the health needs of the communities that they serve and have responsibility for commissioning services to meet that need.

Parkinson's Disease

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations her Department has received regarding funding for Parkinson's disease nurse specialists in Bedfordshire; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: I am not aware of any representations made to the Department regarding funding for Parkinson's disease nurse specialists in Bedfordshire.

Patient and Public Involvement Resource Centre

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which organisations have responsibility for (a) setting up and (b) running the patient and public involvement resource centre; and on what date she expects the resource centre to begin its work.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 13 February 2006
	The Department is responsible for setting up the patient and public involvement resource centre. We are currently finalising the contract and until the procurement process is complete we are unable to provide further details as they are commercially sensitive.
	We expect the successful provider to commence work soon. A press notice will be issued as soon as the contract has been awarded.

Patients Forums

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how administrative support will be given to patients' forums after forum support organisation contracts end.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 13 February 2006
	This is being considered as part of the review of patient and public involvement, which will be completed by April.

Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what effect the ongoing reappraisal by her Department of the NHS Private Finance Initiative programme has had on her Department's support for the proposals for the Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust as laid down in its outline business case.

Rosie Winterton: The NHS in England: the operating framework for 2006/7" was published on 26 January. The trust, with its local health partners, will now need to revalidate the approval parameters for the Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals Foundation National Health Service Trust private finance initiative scheme and confirm they take account of the current reforms to the national health service. They will be asked to respond to a range of questions from the Department concerning factors such as long-term affordability, assumptions on efficiency gains and income growth, liquidity, activity shift and reference cost. The conclusions will need to be ratified by the Department before the scheme can proceed to financial close.

PFI Project

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what costs incurred by the preferred bidder on the Barts and the London NHS trust private finance initiative project would require to be returned if the project were not to proceed.

Jane Kennedy: As with all such contractual arrangements, the amount of liability, if any, would be subject to agreement and negotiation at some time in the future, should the project not proceed.

Primary Care Trusts

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much central Government funding was received by (a) Tendring and (b) Colchester primary care trusts in each of the last five years; and what average amount was received by primary care trusts in England for each of those years.

Rosie Winterton: Funding received is shown in the table.
	
		Government funding received -- £000
		
			  Tendring primary care trust Colchester primary care trust Average for all primary care trusts in England 
		
		
			 2000–01 65,628 n/a 57,166 
			 2001–02 85,683 77,245 102,476 
			 2002–03 102,522 105,906 152,643 
			 2003–04 145,694 156,233 169,217 
			 2004–05 164,749 168,754 189,599 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Funding is the sum of net parliamentary funding and income from the Department. Funding from other Government Departments cannot be separately identified.
	2. Primary care trusts were not fully established until 2003–04. In earlier years health authorities continued to receive funding and be responsible for the commissioning of health care services, with devolution to primary care trusts occurring at different rates, hence figures cannot be directly compared.
	3. Funding allocations to primary care trusts are based largely on weighted populations so direct comparisons are not necessarily appropriate.
	Source:
	Audited primary care trust summarisation schedules.

Royal Shrewsbury Hospital

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding her Department provides to run the MRI scanner at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Rosie Winterton: The information is not available in the format requested. We allocate funding to primary care trusts on the basis of the relative needs of their populations.
	It is for primary care trusts (PCTs) in partnership with strategic health authorities and other local stakeholders to determine how best to use their funds to meet national and local priorities for improving health, tackling health inequalities and modernising services.
	For the current financial year, Shropshire County PCT has been allocated £276 million, a cash increase of £23 million over the previous year, which equates to 9.16 per cent. Telford and Wrekin PCT has been allocated £153 million, a cash increase of £16 million, or £11.69 per cent.

Royal Shrewsbury Hospital

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much VAT the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital paid the Exchequer for drugs purchased by the hospital in (a) 2001, (b) 2003 and (c) 2005.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not held centrally.
	Value added tax is not separately identified within the National Health Service summarisation schedules or accounts submitted to the Department.

Sex Change Operations

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients have sought to have their sex change operations reversed since 1995.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not centrally available.

St. Bartholomew's Hospital

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the redevelopment of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London.

Jane Kennedy: The North East London Strategic Health Authority recently commissioned an independent review looking at the redevelopment of St. Bartholomew's in the context of existing cancer and cardiac capacity in London. We have now received the report and ministers must now consider the full findings of the review.
	The national health service in East London has already seen record investment since 1997. We are committed to continuing to deliver improvement to NHS services in this part of London. As soon as ministers have considered the full findings of the review, we will work quickly with the local NHS to finalise consideration of the business case for the Barts and the London private finance initiative scheme.

Statins

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the use of statins in each year since they have been prescribed.

Rosie Winterton: Statin prescribing effectively began in 1991 with a low base. Since publication of the national service framework for coronary heart disease (CHD) in 2000 it has been rising at approximately 30 per cent. per year. In the last financial year the national health service spent about £0.75 billion on statins, benefiting around £2.7 million patients.
	There are numerous studies showing the benefits of statins for secondary prevention of CHD. One of the most influential is the heart protection study published in 2002 which found that reducing low density lipoprotein cholesterol in high risk patients resulted—allowing for non-compliance—in a possible 70 to 100 lives saved per 1,000 treated over five years.

Suffolk Coastal Primary Care Trust

John Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people made up the financial and management specialist team that visited Suffolk Coastal primary care trust to examine the state of the primary care trust; and how many days the team spent investigating onsite.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 2 February 2006
	The turnaround teams were announced in a ministerial statement on 1 December 2005, Official Report, column 37WS. The teams will comprise of experts with a mix of commercial and national health service turnaround skills.
	The first stage of this is a baseline assessment, the aim of which is to ensure there is an agreed understanding of the local financial problem and that actions are in hand to address this.
	The contract for the baseline assessment was awarded to consultants KPMG. Suffolk Coastal primary care trust's assessment was included in this assessment, which covered 62 organisations. Information is not available on the breakdown of the resources KPMG assigned to each assessment. The value of this contract is commercial in confidence.

Tarceva

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether Tarceva (erlotinib) has been prescribed by NHS trusts.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 14 February 2006
	Erlotinib (Tarceva), for non-small cell lung cancer, was granted a licence by the European Medicines Agency in September 2005. There is no record of it having been dispensed in England, though our information is not comprehensive and might not capture the use of the drug in clinical trials where it has not been dispensed at the national health service's expense.

Terminal Illness (Benefit Provision)

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will take steps to ensure advice on benefits is made available to patients when they are diagnosed as having terminal illness.

Rosie Winterton: The Department is working with the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure that advice on benefits is available to all patients including those with a terminal illness.

Total Purchasing Pilots

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of total purchasing pilots in primary care services.

Jane Kennedy: No recent assessment has been made.

Visual Impairment

Tony Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when a comprehensive low vision service will be available to visually-impaired people in all primary care trust areas.

Rosie Winterton: Low vision aids are already available free on loan to any person requiring them. The Hospital Eye Service assesses the needs of the individual and provides any necessary low vision aids.
	Social services departments have responsibility for assessing the needs of individuals who request help due to problems with their vision. This is usually in the form of modifications to a person's home such as improved lighting and hi-marks for cookers. Any help offered will be following a comprehensive assessment of the individual's needs.
	The Government-funded integrating community equipment services (ICES) project was designed to improve equipment services for people by integrating the previously separate national health service and social services equipment services. The ICES team completed their work on integration in March 2005 and it is now the responsibility of the local social care and health service providers to determine how best to provide services to meet the needs of the individuals in their populations, in the light of local priorities.
	Low vision was one of the areas identified by the eye care services steering group as an area for further development. A care pathway for low vision services has been published and a number of pilots are currently testing the pathway. The model pathways are designed to improve integration of eye care services across primary and secondary care and social services.
	Learning from the pilots and their developing evidence-base will be shared with the NHS to support wider implementation. A conference is planned for June 2006 to showcase the pilots.

Waiting Lists/Times

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 17 January 2006, Official Report, column 1299W, on Health Committee evidence, if she will place in the Library the diagnostic waiting time statistics referred to in answer to Question 188 before the Health Committee on 1 December 2005, HC 736-i, on public health and personal social services.

Jane Kennedy: The data collected from the pilot sites is unvalidated management information collected to help to refine the list of diagnostic tests and procedures to be included in the national data collection, and to inform the development of policy on 18 weeks. Pilot sites submitted data in the knowledge that it was unvalidated and of variable data quality. It would not, therefore, be appropriate to publish this information in the Library. However, over time, we will commence routine publication of data on diagnostic waiting times and activity and expect the first report to be published during spring 2006.

Waiting Lists/Times

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time was for an out-patient appointment at each of the hospitals run by Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in the last year for which figures are available.

Rosie Winterton: The information is not available in the requested format. However, the table shows waiting times for a first out-patient appointment following general practitioner written referral request for the Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust.
	
		Waiting times for first out-patient appointment following GP written referral request—Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust—tranche 2
		
			 Quarter Median wait (weeks) 
		
		
			 December 2004 8.5 
			 March 2005 8.2 
			 June 2005 7.6 
			 September 2005 7.9 
			 December 2005 n/a 
		
	
	
		Tranche 1
		
			 Quarter Not seen over 13 but less than 17 weeks Not seen over 17 but less than 21 weeks Not seen over 21 weeks 
		
		
			 December 2004 1,105 0 0 
			 March 2005 443 0 0 
			 June 2005 624 0 0 
			 September 2005 557 0 0 
			 December 2005 0 0 0 
		
	
	Notes:
	December 2005 contains only data collected in tranche 1. Tranche 2 data that is used to calculate the average waiting time will be available on 3 March.
	Source:
	Department of Health form QM08

Waiting Lists/Times

Greg Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made towards ensuring every patient is treated within 18 weeks of general practitioner referral; and what assessment she has made of the impact of such progress on other NHS services.

Jane Kennedy: Clear progress has been made in setting the foundations for 18-weeks over the past few years—with in-patient and out-patient waiting times falling to six months and 13 weeks respectively. A new data collection on diagnostic test has been rolled out nationally since January 2006 in order to monitor progress against local plans.
	We plan to measure the total patient pathway, from referral to treatment, across England starting in April 2007. In the meantime, all strategic health authorities (SHAs) have developed plans, based upon the three stages of treatment, out-patients, diagnostics and in-patients. The Department has recently asked primary care trusts and SHAs to refresh these plans for cutting long waits in order to reflect their latest thinking on achievement of the 18-week target.
	The Department is currently collating the responses of a service-wide listening exercise on the proposed principles and definitions for 18-weeks and will publish the outcome in 2006.
	The Department has issued very clear guidance that clinical priority must be the main determinant of when patients should be seen and we are not aware of any evidence to suggest that the successes in delivering shorter maximum waiting times to date has had any adverse impact on other national health service services. NHS guidelines make it clear that it remains the responsibility of local health services to ensure that there are fair and acceptable local standards governing access to services for areas not covered by national targets.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Alcohol Misuse

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government are taking to combat (a) binge drinking and (b) other forms of alcohol misuse.

Hazel Blears: The Government have recently introduced a number of measures to combat alcohol misuse, the Licensing Act 2003 is a central component of these measures. (a) Rights and responsibilities are central to the Government's plans to combat alcohol misuse.
	Flexible licensing hours as brought in by the Licensing Act 2003 counters binge drinking by not encouraging people to drink as much as possible before last orders, this is backed up by tough enforcement powers that target individuals through increased use of fixed penalty notices, premises through conditional licenses and expedited licensing reviews, and areas through designated public place orders (and drink banning orders which are proposed in the Violent Crime Reduction Bill). The Government are working with the drinks industry to develop a voluntary approach to tackling alcohol misuse.(b)
	The Departments of Health, Education and Skills and Home Office are taking forward measures to combat alcohol misuse. Alcohol education is a key component of the national curriculum as part of the healthy schools initiative The alcohol misuse enforcement campaigns target alcohol misuse through increased enforcement of legislation test-purchasing operations. The Government are planning to launch sensible drinking messages later this year in partnership with the drinks industry.

Antisocial Behaviour

Michael Wills: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he plans to take to help the public to gain access to services that will help them tackle antisocial behaviour.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 9 February 2006
	We have already provided guidance and support to local agencies helping them to target resources and powers to protect the public and ensure that antisocial behaviour is tackled, not tolerated. The Respect programme will now take this further so that local services are organised so that they respond swiftly and effectively to the problems that communities face today.
	People need to see and feel that a difference can be made. For example, along with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister we are developing a single non-emergency number to provide the public direct access, via a new three digit number to community safety advice, information and action to tackle antisocial behaviour. We are also committed to ensuring that every area will be benefiting from neighbourhood policing by 2008. Local people will know who their police officers are and how to contact them and neighbourhood policing teams will tackle antisocial behaviour as a priority when local communities identify this as one of their key concerns.
	We also aim to improve accountability between service providers and the public by giving more power to local communities. The Police and Justice Bill, contains provisions for the Community Call for Action. This is a way for local communities to demand a response from agencies to persistent local community safety or antisocial behaviour problems, via an approach to their ward councillor.

Antisocial Behaviour

Anne Snelgrove: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals were charged with causing criminal damage to property by means of graffiti in (a) Swindon, (b) the South West and (c) England and Wales in each year since 1995.

Hazel Blears: Data on the number of persons charged with offences are not collected centrally. Also, it is not possible to distinguish offences of graffiti from other types of criminal damage in the Office for Criminal Justice Reform figures for court proceedings as the circumstances of individual offences are not collected centrally

Antisocial Behaviour

Anne Snelgrove: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of local authorities have an antisocial behaviour policy.

Hazel Blears: All of the 351 Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRP) in England and 22 Community Safety Partnerships (CSP) in Wales currently audit the levels of crime and disorder and misuse of drugs (substance misuse in Wales) in their area so as to identify the extent of these problems within their community, and develop strategies that deal effectively with the problems agreed as priorities for action following consultation within their communities.
	They must ensure the need to tackle antisocial behaviour is reflected in the way local services are delivered where it is identified as a priority for action. Local authorities as a responsible authority" within the CDRP play a major part, working in partnership with the police, police and fire and rescue authorities and primary care trusts, in addressing and tackling antisocial behaviour.
	By 2007 all top tier local authorities in England will have a Local Area Agreement (LAA). LAAs are three year agreements struck between central and local government containing outcomes which address national and local priorities. The requirement for LAAs to contain an outcome on building respect and reducing antisocial behaviour is mandatory.
	This underlines the importance of respect and antisocial behaviour as key national priorities. Preventing and tackling antisocial behaviour has also been identified as a key theme in Round eight of the Beacon Council Scheme and this will act as a further incentive for councils to ensure antisocial behaviour is top of their agenda.

Antisocial Behaviour

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions there have been in North Yorkshire for breaches of antisocial behaviour orders.

Hazel Blears: Antisocial behaviour order (ASBO) breach data held centrally only cover breach proceedings where there has been a conviction. These data are currently available from 1 June 2000 to 31 December 2003 for ASBOs issued since 1 June 2000. During this period, within the North Yorkshire criminal justice system area, notification has been received of eight persons breaching their ASBO on one or more occasions.

Asylum/Immigration

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average length of time was that an asylum seeker was detained under the fast-track procedures in the last period for which figures are available.

Tony McNulty: Of those detained on 10 February 2006, the average length of time asylum seekers had been detained under the fast track asylum procedure was 56 days for male claimants at Harmondsworth and 47 for female claimants at Yarl's Wood.
	The combined average time for the two is 55 days. These figures include claims that are still pending. This information is based on internal management information and as such is not published within the official statistics.

Asylum/Immigration

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fast-track asylum applications were (a) made and (b) refused as at 31 December 2005.

Tony McNulty: The latest date for which figures are available is 10 February 2006, at which date 3,494 male asylum claimants had been detained under the fast-track procedure at Harmondsworth since it began in April 2003. Of those male claimants who remained in the procedure, 2,901 were refused asylum at the initial decision stage.
	At the same date, 278 female asylum claimants had been detained under the fast-track procedure at Yarl's Wood since it began in May 2005. Of those female claimants who remained in the procedure, 205 were refused asylum at the initial decision stage. This information is based on internal management information and as such is not published within the official statistics.

Asylum/Immigration

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers are detained under the asylum fast-track procedures; and how many of them are children.

Tony McNulty: As at 10 February 2006, there were 230 asylum claimants detained under the fast-track asylum procedures. None of those detained were children. Neither asylum seeking children nor asylum seekers with child dependants are detained under the fast-track procedures. This information is based on internal management information and as such is not published within the official statistics.

Asylum/Immigration

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applicants have broken their bail conditions in each of the last three years.

Tony McNulty: The information requested, on the number of asylum applicants who have broken their bail conditions in each of their three years, is not available.

Asylum/Immigration

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum detainees have had their removal delayed due to difficulties in obtaining travel documents in each of the last five years.

Tony McNulty: Figures on delays in obtaining travel documentation are not kept and could be obtained only at disproportional cost.

Asylum/Immigration

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what projects his Department is funding to promote affordable immigration advice to visa applicants overseas.

Kim Howells: I have been asked to reply.
	UKvisas does not fund any projects to promote affordable immigration advice to visa applicants overseas. However, free information leaflets about the different categories of entry clearance and advice on how to apply is available from Visa Sections, our missions' websites and from UKvisas.

Asylum/Immigration

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) asylum and (b) immigration removals were delayed for two weeks or more in 2005.

Tony McNulty: The information is as follows.
	(a) Records indicate that in 2005, 15,019 failed asylum seekers were removed from the UK. Out of this figure, 452 (3 per cent.) were removed within two weeks of their appeal rights being exhausted.
	(b) In additions records indicate that in 2005, there were 12,540 non failed asylum seeker removals. Our records do not indicate how many immigration (non failed asylum seeker) removals were delayed for two weeks or more after removal directions were set in 2005.

Asylum/Immigration

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many student applicants were refused entry to the UK by an (a) immigration officer and (b) entry clearance officer in each of the last five years.

Tony McNulty: The number of student applicants refused by an Immigration Officer, for each of the last five years, is as follows:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 2001 2,395 
			 2002(30) 2,815 
			 2003 2,940 
			 2004 2,400 
			 2005 (30)1,480 
		
	
	(30) The data for 2002 is incomplete due to a change in computer systems.
	Note:
	The data for the first half of 2003 is incomplete (see above). The statistics supplied are locally collated management information and are therefore subject to change. The data has been rounded to the nearest 5.
	The number of student applicants refused by an Entry Clearance Officer, for each of the last five years, is as follows:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 2000 20,105 
			 2001–02 38,873 
			 2002–03 52,520 
			 2003–04 72,052 
			 2004–05 92,720 
		
	
	Prior to 2001–02, Entry Clearance statistics were produced by calendar year. The statistics supplied are Entry Clearance statistics published by UKvisas.

Asylum/Immigration

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many successful appeals of refusal decisions of student applicants there were in (a) 2003, (b) 2004 and (c) 2005.

Kim Howells: I have been asked to reply.
	Neither UKvisas nor the Department for Constitutional Affairs holds these statistics.

Asylum/Immigration

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many entry clearance officers can speak fluently the language of the country they are situated in; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what language qualification requirements there are on entry clearance officers before they can take up their position.

Kim Howells: I have been asked to reply.
	UKvisas does not keep a record of how many Entry Clearance Officers (ECOs) can speak the language of the country they are situated in. Most Visa Sections have interpreters and therefore an ECO is not required to have formal language qualifications in order to do their job. However, where an ECO is required to have language skills, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office will provide training up to the necessary level.

Asylum/Immigration

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people (a) were successful in applying for a visa to enter the UK and (b) failed in their visa application in (i) 2003, (ii) 2004 and (iii) 2005.

Kim Howells: I have been asked to reply.
	Details of successful and unsuccessful visa applications in the requested years are as follows:
	
		
			 Visas 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Issued 1,648,474 1,828,367 2,008,132 
			 Refused 249,830 339,616 483,457 
		
	
	Since 2001, UKvisas has published statistics on a financial year basis. The figures provided here are all publicly available along with other entry clearance statistics on the UKvisas website at www.ukvisas.gov.uk—"Entry Clearance: Facts and Figures".

Asylum/Immigration

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many local interpreters are employed by the Entry Clearance Office in Islamabad.

Kim Howells: I have been asked to reply.
	The Visa Section at our High Commission in Islamabad currently has 26 dedicated locally-engaged Entry Clearance Assistants whose primary purpose is to provide interpreting services. In addition, there are 10 further locally-engaged staff engaged in other work within the Visa Section who can assist with interpreting duties. There are also three Entry Clearance Officers (UK staff based overseas) who speak Urdu.

Asylum/Immigration

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average length of time taken by an immigration officer in the UK to make a decision on an entry application was in the last period for which figures are available.

Tony McNulty: The statistics requested are not available and may be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

British Citizenship (Erroneous Refusals)

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of British nationals from Hong Kong who have been erroneously refused British citizenship as a result of Home Office error; over what period of time the errors occurred; what steps he has taken to rectify the errors; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: There has been no Home Office error. The decisions made were taken on the basis of information provided by the Indian Government in 1997–98 about their citizenship law which they have just corrected. Under the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1997 possession of another citizenship immediately before four February 1997 rendered individuals ineligible for British citizenship.
	We relied on other governments for advice about people who possessed their citizenship. We estimate that approximately 600 applications were determined on the basis of the Indian Government's original advice, mostly dating from the period July 1997 to June 1999. Any applications which were refused on the basis of the original advice, and where the applicant has confirmed that he or she still wishes to receive British citizenship, will be reconsidered.
	No additional fee will be payable by the applicant in such cases. Both the Home Office and the Consulate-General Hong Kong have taken steps to publicise these
	developments. Details can be found on the following websites:
	http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en/home/applying/british_nationality/new_information_on.html
	and
	http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1138870241398.
	The Consulate-General in Hong Kong has also sent a letter to the Council of Hong Kong Indian Associations asking them to bring this matter to the attention of their members. The South China Morning Post carried the story on the front page of its 10 February 2006 edition.

Cautions

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy that cautions should not be used to deal with offences where reoffending is likely; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: Guidance on the cautioning of adult offenders is contained in the Cautioning of Adult Offenders Circular 30/2005 issued by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform. Cautions are a non-statutory disposal. One of their main aims, as stated in the circular, is to reduce the likelihood of re-offending.
	The circular makes clear that a caution can be used for cases involving first-time, low level offences when to do so would meet the public interest. It is not possible to set out definitive rules on the circumstances in which cautions are appropriate, because their use involves the exercise of discretion by the police who have to take into account a number of considerations in each case. These considerations include whether a caution is appropriate to the offence and the offender and whether it is likely to be effective in the circumstances.
	The circular advises that both national and any locally held records must be checked before a caution is given, to ensure that the suspect's criminal record is known and up-to-date and to avoid inappropriate use. If the suspect has previously received a caution, then a further caution should not normally be considered. However, if there has been a sufficient lapse of time to suggest that a previous caution has had a significant deterrent effect (two years or more), then a caution can be used. A caution can also still be administered if the subsequent offence is trivial or unrelated. If the suspect has previously, when aged 17 or under, received a reprimand or final warning, a period of two years should also be allowed to elapse before administering a caution.

Class A Drug Offences

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people under the age of 25 years were arrested for class A drug offences in each of the last five years.

Charles Clarke: The requested data are not collected centrally.

Community Sentences

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce a requirement for all offenders sentenced in the community to perform unpaid work; and what resource implications are being taken into account.

Fiona Mactaggart: We believe that unpaid work should be at the heart of tough and effective community sentences. Highly visible community payback shows the public that offenders are making amends to the community for the harm they have caused. At the moment unpaid work is a part of about half of all community sentences. We expect the number of hours of unpaid work that offenders carry out in the community to rise from five million hours in 2003 to approaching 10 million hours by 2011.

Community Support Officers

Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many police community support officers have been introduced in (a) Doncaster North, (b) the borough of Doncaster and (c) South Yorkshire since the scheme began; and what assessment he has made of the impact of community support officers on crime and antisocial behaviour;
	(2)  how many police officers there were in (a) Doncaster North, (b) the borough of Doncaster and (c) South Yorkshire in each year since 1997.

Hazel Blears: Figures relating to the number of police officers are collected by police force area and have been collected at basic command unit (BCU) level since March 2003. These figures are given in the table. Figures for Doncaster North are not collected centrally.
	In South Yorkshire there were 14 PCSOs as at 31 March 2003. This figure increased by 45, to give a total of 59 at 31 March 2004. As at 31 March 2005 this figure had increased again by 66, giving a total of 125 PCSOs. This figure remained the same for September 2005. Information on the number of PCSOs in basic command units has been collected since June 2005. The Doncaster basic command unit had 36 PCSOs on 30 June 2005. Deployment of PCSOs with in Doncaster is an operational matter for the Divisional Commander. A National Evaluation of Community Support Officers" (Home Office Research Study 297) was published on 25 January.
	A copy of the report has been placed in the Library and shows that PCSOs have been well received by the public. They are helping to restore respect in local communities by providing reassurance and tackling antisocial behaviour and low level crime.
	
		Police officer strength in South Yorkshire and Doncaster, 1997–2005
		
			  South Yorkshire(31) Doncaster(32) 
		
		
			 1997 3,159 — 
			 1998 3,182 — 
			 1999 3,168 — 
			 2000 3,163 — 
			 2001 3,197 — 
			 2002 3,199 510 
			 2003 3,183 533 
			 2004 3,279 549 
			 2005 3,265 526 
		
	
	(31) The figures in this table are based on full-time equivalent figures less staff on career breaks or maternity/paternity leave, and have been rounded to the nearest whole number.
	(32) Police officer strength has only been collected at basic command unit level since 2003. The 2002 figure was provided by HMIC. Figures are based on full-time equivalent figures (including staff on career breaks or maternity/paternity leave) and have been rounded to the nearest whole number.

Complaints Audit Committee

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department has taken following the recommendations made in the latest Complaints Audit Committee report.

Tony McNulty: Since the publication of the Complaints Audit Committee's 2004–05 Annual Report in July 2005, IND has undertaken a significant amount of work to implement their recommendations across the Department.
	The 2004–05 Annual Report recommendations will form part of a wider rolling register" of action points that the Committee has raised for IND to consider. Also included in the register will be recommendations arising from their quarterly audits of complaints across IND.
	IND's response to these recommendations will be published in our official reply to the CAC's annual report which is due for publication in October 2006.

Crime

Anne Snelgrove: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many incidents of violent crime there were in (a) Swindon and (b) England in each year from 1997 to 2005.

Hazel Blears: Available information relating to recorded offences is given in the following table. Crime statistics for Swindon are recorded at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) level and are available from 1999–2000 to 2004–05. It is estimated that the effect of the National Crime Recording Standard (NCRS) in April 2002 was a 20 per cent. increase nationally in recorded violent crime in its first year. Violent crime is comprised of the violence against the person, sexual offences and robbery offence groups.
	
		Table 1: Recorded offences of violent crime—1997 -- Number of offences recorded
		
			 Period Swindon CDRP England 
		
		
			 1997 — 326,993 
		
	
	Note:
	The data in this table are prior to the introduction of the revised counting rules for recorded crime, which came into effect on 1 April 1998. Therefore, this figure is not directly comparable with those for later years.
	
		Table 2: Recorded offences of violent crime—1998–99 to 2001–02 -- Number of offences recorded
		
			 Period Swindon CDRP England 
		
		
			 1998–99 — 571,027 
			 1999–2000 1,906 662,525 
			 2000–01 2,094 692,552 
			 2001–02 2,315 773,897 
		
	
	Note:
	The data in this table are prior to the introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard. These figures are not directly comparable with those for later years.
	
		Table 3: Recorded offences of violent crime—2002–03 to 2004–05 -- Number of offences recorded
		
			 Period Swindon CDRP England 
		
		
			 2002–03 3,191 935,019 
			 2003–04 2,947 1,052,601 
			 2004–05 2,794 1,127,681 
		
	
	Note:
	The data in this table take account of the introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard in April 2002. These figures are not directly comparable with those for earlier years.

Crime

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many violent crimes took place in Peterborough city council area in each of the last five years.

Hazel Blears: The information requested is given in the following table. It is estimated that the effect of the introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard (NCRS) in April 2002 was a 20 per cent. increase nationally in recorded violent crime in its first year.
	
		Peterborough UA—violent crime
		
			 Financial year CDRP offences 
		
		
			 2000–01 2,761 
			 2001–02 3,202 
			 2002–03 5,203 
			 2003–04 5,855 
			 2004–05 5,827 
		
	
	Note:
	The National Crime Recording Standard was introduced on 1 April 2002. Figures are therefore not directly comparable with those for earlier years.

Crime

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) males and (b) females were (i) prosecuted for and (ii) convicted of (A) murder and (B) manslaughter in Southend in 2004.

Fiona Mactaggart: Data from the Court Proceedings Database held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform on the number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at South East Essex petty sessional area for murder and manslaughter in 2004, are provided in the following table.
	
		Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates' courts and found guilty at all courts for murder and manslaughter, South East Essex Petty Sessional Area 2004(33)
		
			 Offence Proceeded against Found guilty 
		
		
			 Murder   
			 Male 1 1 
			 Female — — 
			 Manslaughter(34)   
			 Male 2 1 
			 Female — — 
		
	
	(33) These data are provided on the principal offence basis.
	(34) Includes: manslaughter, child destruction, infanticide, causing death by dangerous driving, diminished responsibility and causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs.
	Data for 2005 will be available in the autumn of 2006.

Crime

Michael Wills: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he plans to take to publicise action taken to tackle antisocial behaviour to members of the public in Swindon.

Hazel Blears: The Respect Action plan sets out our intention to empower local communities to challenge and tackle antisocial behaviour through greater awareness of the powers available to them. We will ensure effective dialogue between local people and services by introducing regular and systematic face the people" briefing sessions, involving senior representation from the police and local authorities.
	In addition, the respect Taking A Stand" awards and action days held nationwide will stimulate public debate about acceptable behaviour and inform antisocial behaviour practitioners and other specialists about local activities. The action plan also proposes a publicity campaign to counter disrespect such as physical violence, threats, intimidation, verbal abuse by the public towards public sector workers. Swindon is one of the Government's action areas, committed to tackling antisocial behaviour.
	The Swindon Evening Advertiser has promoted local initiatives run by the antisocial behaviour team, such as Operation Crackdown, Operation Graffiti and It's Your Call and has publicised details of antisocial behaviour orders. Swindon borough council and Wiltshire police use local neighbourhood safety teams to communicate activity taken to tackle antisocial behaviour and in parallel, invite local residents to highlight community safety concerns in their area.

Crime

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy not to charge victims of crime for the recovery of their property from (a) police and (b) those holding the property on behalf of the police.

Hazel Blears: The police have powers to order the removal of any vehicle that is dangerously, obstructively or illegally parked, broken down or abandoned, including vehicles abandoned after being stolen .
	The Government regards such removals as important for road safety and crime reduction. Before owners can regain any vehicle so removed, they are required by law to pay fees prescribed by the Secretary of State to meet the costs of removal and storage.
	The Government considers it would not be appropriate for such costs to fall on the public purse We recognise, however, the concerns that have been expressed by and on behalf of the owners of stolen vehicles who have had to pay for return of their own property. We agreed with the Association of Chief Police Officers on recommended best practice in such cases.
	This includes an immediate notification on report of a vehicle theft as to the need to pay the statutory fees when the vehicle is recovered, a follow-up letter with more detailed information and further information and advice on police force websites. A decision to charge for return of property other than vehicles is an operational matter for the chief officer of the individual force concerned.

Criminal Justice Act

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the (a) sections and (b) provisions within the Criminal Justice Act 2003 which (i) have not yet come into force and (ii) have been repealed (A) prior to and (B) after coming into force.

Fiona Mactaggart: The information requested is shown in the table.
	A copy will be placed in the Library.

Daniel Morgan

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the report by the Metropolitan Police Authority relating to the murder of Daniel Morgan will be made available to his family.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 6 February 2006
	The Metropolitan Police Authority is responsible for the report into the investigation into Daniel Morgan's murder. I will ensure that the chairman receives a copy of the question and replies to you directly. Copies of the letter containing the MPA's response will be placed in the House Libraries.

Departmental Finance

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the annual expenditure on vehicles by (a) his Department and (b) each (i) non-departmental public body, (ii) executive agency and (iii) other public body for which he is responsible in (A) Scotland, (B) Wales, (C) each of the English regions and (D) Northern Ireland was in each of the last three financial years; and what the planned expenditure is for 2005–06.

Charles Clarke: For details of expenditure on Ministerial vehicles provided to the Department by the Government Car and Despatch Agency I refer the hon. Member to the letter of 20 December 2005 from the Chief Executive of the Government Car and Despatch Agency to the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker). Copies of the letter are available in the Library.
	Annual expenditure on vehicles is not recorded by geographical area and could be assembled only at disproportionate cost. The information as to the costs of vehicles which (a) the Department (b) each (i) NDPB (ii) executive agency and (iii) other public body for which the Department is responsible Office have purchased or leased is as follows.
	
		
			  Home Office Independent Police Complaints Commission National Criminal Intelligence Service National Police Training/ Centrex Police IT Organisation Prison Service Forensic Science Service 
		
		
			 2002–03 1,099,247 — 1,351,000 23,025 0 3,198,065 381,559 
			 2003–04 1,977,570 0 313,000 3,500 10,263 3,625,237 524,559 
			 2004–05 1,441,842 383,312 112,000 100,000 10,263 2,687,625 595,211 
			 2005–06(35) 1,752,161 0 25,000 100,000 10,263 4,681,658 480,000 
		
	
	(35) Estimate
	No expenditure was incurred by: Criminal Records Bureau, UK Passport Agency, Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, Criminal Cases Review Commission, Security Industry Authority, Youth Justice Board

Drug Offenders

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the reconviction rates differ of those convicted of drug-related offences who (a) enter drug residential rehabilitation places, (b) receive drug treatment and testing orders and (c) receive other disposals.

Fiona Mactaggart: holding answer 9 February 2006
	Information on reconviction rates for offenders entering drug residential rehabilitation places are not routinely available. Information on re-offending is published annually to help monitor the Home Office's progress against its PSA target to reduce re-offending by 5 per cent. by 2006. The most recent data were published in December in 'Adult re-offending: results from the 2002 cohort'. Home Office Statistical Bulletin 25/05'. This is available on the Home Office's website: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/hosbpubs1.html. For offenders convicted of drug offences in the first quarter of 2002, the two year re-offending rate was 35.9 per cent. for those offenders convicted of drug import and supply offences and 53.8 per cent. for those convicted of drugs possession and small scale supply offences. Further analysis of this data shows that the two year re-offending rate for those convicted of drug offences and given DTTOs was 78.1 per cent. and for all other disposals it was 48.1 per cent. Re-offending rates should be used with caution as a number of different factors can influence them. Re-offending rates can be adjusted to take account of the changing characteristics of offenders and these adjusted rates are published annually on the Home Office's website. The latest predicted rates show a reduction in re-offending of 0.2 per cent. to 58.5 per cent. for all adults against the 2000 baseline.

Drugs Dependence Treatment

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners underwent treatment for drugs dependence in (a) Tamworth constituency, (b) Staffordshire and (c) England and Wales in each of the past five years.

Fiona Mactaggart: Figures for prisoners undergoing drug treatment are given in the following table. There are no recorded figures prior to 2001–02. Figures for programme completion were not collected prior to 2004–05.
	
		
			  2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
			 Tamworth(36) 
		
		
			 CARATs 150 152 100 91 
			 Detox 0 0 0 0 
			 Programmes entrants 60 60 60 80 
			 completions — — — 70 
			  
			 Staffordshire2 
			 CARATs 595 689 557 490 
			 Detox 89 59 9 53 
			 Programmes entrants 116 154 187 276 
			 completions — — — 214 
			  
			 England and Wales 
			 CARATs 39,338 51,896 54,125 59,025 
			 Detox 41,765 50,701 57,891 53,903 
			 Programmes entrants 4,691 4,386 4,703 7,609 
			 completions — — — 4,902 
		
	
	(36) HMP Swinfen Hall.
	(37) HMP Swinfen Hall, HMP Drake Hall, HMP Featherstone, HMP Stafford HMP Dovegate.

Drunkenness

Anne Snelgrove: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offenders were found guilty of (a) drunken and disorderly behaviour and (b) drunken and aggravated disorderly behaviour in each year between 1997 and 2005 in (i) England and (ii) each local authority in England.

Fiona Mactaggart: Data from the court proceedings database held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform on the number of offenders found guilty for drunkenness and drunkenness with aggravation in Wales 1997–2005 are given in the table.
	It is not possible to identify those convicted in each local authority, as the data are not collected at this level of detail. Court statistics for 2005 will be available in autumn 2006. The penalty notice for disorder scheme was brought into effect in all police forces in England and Wales during 2004. Under the scheme the police are able to issue persons committing specified minor offences with a fixed penalty notice.
	No admission of guilt is required and payment of the penalty discharges all liability for the offence. In 2004 26,609 penalty notices were issued in England for the offence of being drunk and disorderly. Provisional data for 2005 to the end of September shows that 24,150 penalty notices were issued in England for this offence. The aggravated offence is not included in the scheme.
	
		Number of offenders found guilty at all courts for offences relating to drunkenness in England 1997 to 2004(38)
		
			  Offence class 
			  Drunkenness with aggravation(39) Drunkenness, simple(40) 
		
		
			 1997 22,474 3,333 
			 1998 23,864 3,710 
			 1999 22,764 3,134 
			 2000 22,078 2,579 
			 2001 21,468 2,424 
			 2002 22,741 2,201 
			 2003 23,893 1,999 
			 2004 17,550 1,674 
		
	
	(38) These data are on the principal offence basis.
	(39) Includes offences under S.91 Criminal Justice Act 1967.S.12 Licensing Act 1872, S.174 Licensing Act 1964, S.9(4) Late Night Refreshment Houses Act 1969, S.28 London Hackney Carriage Act 1843, SS.101(1)(a)(b), (4) and (5) Merchant Shipping Act 1995, S.2 Licensing Act 1902 and S.61 Town Police Clauses Act 1847
	(40) Includes offences under S.12 Licensing Act 1872, Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985 SS.1(4), 1A(4), 2.(2) and S.12 Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001

Fireworks

Anne Snelgrove: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many penalty notices have been issued in relation to the illegal use of fireworks in each police force area since the legislation was introduced.

Hazel Blears: Offences under the Fireworks Regulations 2004 (made under section 11 of the Fireworks Act 2003) for breach of the national fireworks curfew, the illegal possession of category four fireworks and the possession by a person under 18 of an adult firework attract penalty notices for disorder, as well as the offence of throwing fireworks.
	The offence of throwing fireworks has been included in the penalty notice for disorder scheme since it was introduced nationally during 2004. The offences under the Fireworks Regulations 2004 were brought into the scheme with effect from 11 October 2004. The numbers of penalty notices issued by police force area for 2004 and provisional data from January to September 2005 are provided in the table.
	
		Number of penalty notices for disorder issued for fireworks offences, by police force area, England and Wales 2004 andJanuary to September 2005
		
			  2004 January to September 2005 (provisional) 
			  Throwing fireworks Breach of fireworks curfew Possession of a category 4 firework Possession by under 18 of adult firework Throwing fireworks Breach of fireworks curfew Possession of a category 4 firework Possession by under 18 of adult firework 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset — — — — 1 1 — — 
			 Bedfordshire 2 — — — — — — — 
			 Cambridgeshire 1 — — — 2 — — — 
			 Cheshire 6 — — — 2 — — — 
			 Cleveland 4 — — — 1 — — — 
			 Cumbria 1 — — — — — — 1 
			 Derbyshire — — — — 3 1 — 1 
			 Devon and Cornwall 6 4 — — 2 — — — 
			 Dorset 5 — — — — — — — 
			 Durham — — — — — — — — 
			 Essex 6 — — — 6 1 1 2 
			 Gloucestershire 1 1 — — — 1 — — 
			 Greater Manchester 14 — — — 9 — 4 4 
			 Hampshire 8 — 1 1 4 1 — — 
			 Hertfordshire 2 — — — — — — — 
			 Humberside 5 1 1 — 2 — — — 
			 Kent 7 — 2 1 2 — — — 
			 Lancashire 11 1 1 — 14 2 — 1 
			 Leicestershire — — — — 2 1 — — 
			 Lincolnshire 20 2 — — 5 — — — 
			 London, City of 1 — — — — — — — 
			 Merseyside 56 — — 1 26 — 2 1 
			 Metropolitan 39 — — — 25 — 1 — 
			 Norfolk 1 — — — 1 — — — 
			 North Yorkshire 2 — — — 1 — — — 
			 Northamptonshire 5 — — — 2 — — — 
			 Northumbria 3 — — — — — — — 
			 Nottinghamshire 1 — — — — — — 2 
			 South Yorkshire 5 — — — 8 1 1 4 
			 Staffordshire 8 — — — 6 — — 1 
			 Suffolk 1 — — — 2 — — — 
			 Surrey 2 — — — — — — — 
			 Sussex 26 — — 1 9 — — — 
			 Thames Valley 23 — — — 3 — — — 
			 Warwickshire 1 — — — 3 — — — 
			 West Mercia 5 — 1 — — — — — 
			 West Midlands 17 — — — 7 1 1 — 
			 West Yorkshire 27 1 1 — 18 — 1 2 
			 Wiltshire 1 — — — 1 — — — 
			  
			 Dyfed Powys 1 — — — 1 — — — 
			 Gwent 8 — — — 1 1 1 1 
			 North Wales 9 1 1 — 8 1 — — 
			 South Wales — — — — — — — — 
			 England and Wales 341 11 8 4 177 12 12 20 
		
	
	Source:
	RDS—Office for Criminal Justice Reform

Ian Missing

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the report of 3 January commissioned by Essex police and Essex Probation Services concerning the case of Mr. Ian Missing; and if he will make a statement.

Fiona Mactaggart: holding answer 30 January 2006
	The published recommendations of the review are being examined, especially those that have national implications for probation and police. We are constantly seeking to improve current systems in order to improve public protection and the report will be used to test or revise current arrangements.
	The plans for any eventual publication of the report are a matter for the joint commissioners, Essex Police and Essex Probation Board, in the first instance.

Ian Missing

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Essex probation service regarding Mr. Ian Missing.

Fiona Mactaggart: Officials of the National Probation Service's Directorate are in regular contact with their colleagues in Essex probation and have met the chief officer to discuss issues raised by the case of Ian Missing in order to establish how processes and information sharing protocols between police, probation and other agencies may be tested or revised.

Individual Support Orders

Anne Snelgrove: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government has taken to encourage the use of individual support orders for young people subject to antisocial behaviour orders.

Hazel Blears: In recognition of the importance of individual support orders (ISOs) in helping young people avoid breaching their antisocial behaviour orders, we have given an extra £500,000 to the Youth Justice Board to allocate to youth offending teams. We are working with the key agencies involved on a range of initiatives and tools to increase uptake.

Licensing Act

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions have been brought under the Licensing Act 2003 since November 2005 for (a) sales of alcohol to under-age children and (b) crime and disorder associated with pubs and clubs.

Fiona Mactaggart: Data from the court proceedings database held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform for 2005 will be available in autumn 2006. Penalty notices for disorder may be issued for nine Licensing Act 2003 offences. Provisional data on the numbers issued since November 2005 will be available in March 2006.

Life Sentence Prisoners

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many life sentenced prisoners are held in local prisons awaiting the beginning of the first stage of their planned life sentence regime (a) six months and (b) one year after sentence was passed.

Charles Clarke: The information requested cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.

National Offender Management Service

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he will take to ensure the end-to-end management of offenders under the National Offender Management Service arrangements for persons jailed for five years or more.

Fiona Mactaggart: Offender Management requires that a single person, the Offender Manager, should be responsible for an offender through their sentence now matter how long or short the sentence is. The offender manager will be based in the community.
	Offender Management is being introduced in stages: for community sentences Offender Management will be in place from April this year; for sentences involving an element of custody, Offender Management will be introduced over the two years starting in September this year. Offender Management will be fully implemented for all types of sentence by 2008.

National Offender Management Service

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what methodology underlay the Regulatory Impact Assessment which was published in response to Restructuring Probation to Reduce Re-offending.

Fiona Mactaggart: The indicative cost savings contained in the partial Regulatory Impact Statement assumed cost savings within the range of 3 per cent. to 8.5 per cent. through contesting certain activities of the National Probation Service. This range was based on the experience of the savings delivered through the market and performance testing programme within the Prison Service. The savings profile assumed a 10 year programme of contestability with no more that 12 per cent. by value of probation business being contested in any one year. The projected cash savings were discounted using a standard 25 year Discounted Cash Flow analysis.

Online Auction Sites

Stephen McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what steps UK police are taking to combat the trade in counterfeit goods on online auction sites;
	(2)  what estimate his Department has made of the extent of the trade in counterfeit goods involving UK citizens on online auction sites.

Hazel Blears: No estimates exist of the trade in counterfeit goods involving UK citizens and online auction sites. We are currently discussing with industry the extent of the trade in counterfeit goods and the most likely routes for this type of crime. Initial industry findings suggest that the on-line route does not play a major role.
	Decisions about the investigation of alleged criminal offences rest solely with the Chief Officer of police of the force concerned who will take into account available resources, national and local policing priorities, the likely eventual outcome of any investigation and the competing priorities of other criminal cases already under investigation.
	Policing initiatives in this area complement the greater level of work undertaken by Trading Standards officers who play a key role in investigating Intellectual Property (IP) Crime. The DTI's Innovation Review, published in December 2003 tasked the Patent Office with a number of actions in respect of intellectual property rights including a commitment to develop a national strategy for dealing with IP crime. In response the Patent Office set up the IP Crime Group in February 2004.
	The group draws together representatives from law enforcement agencies (including ACPO and Trading Standards), Government Departments and commercial interests.

Police

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers have retired in each year since 2001, broken down by (a) rank and (b) police force area.

Charles Clarke: A full breakdown of reasons for leaving by police officers has only been collected centrally since 31 March 2003. Prior to that date the breakdown was limited to retirements, resignations and other wastage. The information requested is given in the tables for the last three years.
	
		The number of police officers(41) taking normal retirements, by rank and police force area for 2002–03(42)
		
			 Police force area ACPO Chief Superintendent Superintendent Chief Inspector Inspector Sergeant Constable 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 0 1 1 1 4 7 13 
			 Bedfordshire 0 0 0 1 5 4 9 
			 Cambridgeshire 0 1 0 1 1 12 14 
			 Cheshire 1 1 0 2 8 16 25 
			 Cleveland 1 2 0 1 3 1 3 
			 Cumbria 0 0 1 1 2 8 13 
			 Derbyshire 0 2 4 0 6 11 23 
			 Devon and Cornwall 2 1 0 3 4 11 44 
			 Dorset 1 1 2 2 4 3 17 
			 Durham 0 0 1 0 0 4 3 
			 Dyfed-Powys 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 
			 Essex 0 0 0 0 1 2 9 
			 Gloucestershire 0 1 0 1 2 1 2 
			 Greater Manchester 0 1 1 2 5 12 24 
			 Gwent 1 0 0 0 1 4 4 
			 Hampshire 0 0 6 0 8 17 62 
			 Hertfordshire 0 1 1 1 5 5 16 
			 Humberside 0 0 1 3 3 4 14 
			 Kent 1 3 2 1 6 14 31 
			 Lancashire 1 0 0 1 7 15 35 
			 Leicestershire 2 0 1 1 5 9 20 
			 Lincolnshire 0 0 0 0 5 9 12 
			 London, City of 0 0 0 0 0 2 10 
			 Merseyside 0 2 4 2 6 25 41 
			 Metropolitan police 3 4 6 11 45 78 182 
			 Norfolk 2 1 0 2 6 6 22 
			 Northamptonshire 0 0 0 1 0 5 6 
			 Northumbria 0 0 4 1 4 10 34 
			 North Wales 0 1 1 0 2 3 10 
			 North Yorkshire 1 2 1 0 6 3 6 
			 Nottinghamshire 0 1 0 0 5 2 16 
			 South Wales 1 0 0 1 9 10 25 
			 South Yorkshire 1 2 1 6 4 12 40 
			 Staffordshire 0 0 2 0 4 4 6 
			 Suffolk 0 1 0 0 2 8 11 
			 Surrey 0 0 3 1 3 5 27 
			 Sussex 0 0 0 1 3 4 26 
			 Thames Valley 0 0 5 3 18 11 45 
			 Warwickshire 0 0 0 0 0 1 12 
			 West Mercia 0 0 1 1 3 6 32 
			 West Midlands 1 4 1 2 8 38 69 
			 West Yorkshire 1 5 0 7 12 26 61 
			 Wiltshire 0 1 0 0 2 8 11 
			 Total 43 forces in England and Wales 20 39 50 61 227 438 1,089 
		
	
	(41) Based on full-time equivalent figures that have been rounded to the nearest whole number.
	(42) Data is collected by the Home Office on a quarterly basis. However, data is not available for quarter 1 and so the figures are based on the total of the other quarters in the financial year 2002–03. Not all of the 43 forces were able to provide data, therefore figures are not comparable with other years.
	
		The number of police officers(43)taking normal retirements, by rank and police force area for 2003–04(44)
		
			 Police force area ACPO Chief Superintendent Superintendent Chief Inspector Inspector Sergeant Constable 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 0 2 1 0 13 13 29 
			 Bedfordshire 0 1 1 0 4 3 17 
			 Cambridgeshire 1 0 0 1 7 6 22 
			 Cheshire 0 1 0 1 5 10 34 
			 Cleveland 0 1 1 0 3 11 16 
			 Cumbria 0 0 0 1 1 7 19 
			 Derbyshire 0 2 0 2 2 14 30 
			 Devon and Cornwall 1 0 0 3 4 4 20 
			 Dorset 0 0 2 1 2 4 26 
			 Durham 0 4 0 1 4 3 21 
			 Dyfed-Powys 0 1 0 0 0 3 11 
			 Essex 0 0 0 4 4 18 46 
			 Gloucestershire 0 0 0 2 0 2 14 
			 Greater Manchester 1 4 4 6 25 27 63 
			 Gwent 1 0 0 2 1 5 17 
			 Hampshire 1 1 3 2 8 14 69 
			 Hertfordshire 0 0 1 0 4 7 32 
			 Humberside 0 1 0 1 6 10 27 
			 Kent 2 1 5 0 6 21 42 
			 Lancashire 0 1 3 0 13 12 36 
			 Leicestershire 0 0 0 0 4 8 13 
			 Lincolnshire 1 1 0 3 2 6 17 
			 London, City of 0 1 0 0 3 5 9 
			 Merseyside 0 3 1 5 13 17 47 
			 Metropolitan police 4 12 15 23 53 128 284 
			 Norfolk 0 0 1 2 1 5 17 
			 Northamptonshire 1 2 0 2 3 5 13 
			 Northumbria 1 2 2 4 14 19 46 
			 North Wales 0 1 0 0 0 2 16 
			 North Yorkshire 1 0 0 1 5 3 17 
			 Nottinghamshire 0 0 1 3 6 8 44 
			 South Wales 1 2 6 5 10 25 45 
			 South Yorkshire 0 2 4 5 11 19 46 
			 Staffordshire 0 1 1 2 4 4 29 
			 Suffolk 0 1 0 0 4 11 12 
			 Surrey 1 0 1 3 4 3 21 
			 Sussex 0 1 1 1 5 13 63 
			 Thames Valley 0 0 2 3 15 12 59 
			 Warwickshire 0 0 0 0 5 1 16 
			 West Mercia 0 1 2 2 6 9 31 
			 West Midlands 0 0 0 1 9 22 66 
			 West Yorkshire 0 0 2 2 8 25 55 
			 Wiltshire 0 1 2 0 3 7 13 
			 Total 43 forces in England and Wales 17 51 62 94 300 551 1,569 
		
	
	(43) Based on full-time equivalent figures that have been rounded to the nearest whole number.
	(44) Data is collected by the Home Office on a quarterly basis. The figures are based on the total or all of the quarters in the financial year 2003–04. Not all of the 43 forces were able to provide data for each quarter, therefore figures are not comparable with other years.
	
		The number of police officers(45)taking normal retirements, by rank and police force area for 2004–05(46)
		
			 Police force area ACPO Chief Superintendent Superintendent Chief Inspector Inspector Sergeant Constable 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 1 1 1 2 10 20 60 
			 Bedfordshire 1 1 1 4 6 4 16 
			 Cambridgeshire 0 1 1 1 4 5 29 
			 Cheshire 1 0 4 1 5 14 35 
			 Cleveland 0 3 0 1 2 2 23 
			 Cumbria 0 0 2 0 2 3 14 
			 Derbyshire 0 1 2 1 6 14 41 
			 Devon and Cornwall 0 1 2 5 9 14 75 
			 Dorset 0 1 2 0 2 13 28 
			 Durham 0 0 1 0 6 4 28 
			 Dyfed-Powys 0 1 1 2 0 10 17 
			 Essex 0 1 2 0 6 29 69 
			 Gloucestershire 1 0 1 2 3 6 19 
			 Greater Manchester 0 4 8 4 17 45 86 
			 Gwent 0 0 3 0 5 10 17 
			 Hampshire 0 0 1 2 9 22 99 
			 Hertfordshire 1 2 1 2 4 11 28 
			 Humberside 1 1 0 2 6 8 37 
			 Kent 1 2 1 5 9 20 66 
			 Lancashire 0 2 0 1 16 25 56 
			 Leicestershire 0 0 1 2 3 16 35 
			 Lincolnshire 1 2 2 1 6 10 27 
			 London, City of 0 0 0 0 2 1 16 
			 Merseyside 1 0 3 3 10 37 70 
			 Metropolitan police 6 10 11 21 69 152 297 
			 Norfolk 0 1 1 1 3 7 32 
			 Northamptonshire 0 1 0 0 6 10 24 
			 Northumbria 1 0 3 2 5 11 71 
			 North Wales 1 0 0 0 4 4 20 
			 North Yorkshire 0 1 0 0 1 15 25 
			 Nottinghamshire 0 1 1 2 6 14 49 
			 South Wales 1 1 0 5 15 18 53 
			 South Yorkshire 0 3 1 3 10 18 59 
			 Staffordshire 0 0 1 4 3 9 32 
			 Suffolk 0 0 2 0 1 6 15 
			 Surrey 1 3 2 0 5 8 28 
			 Sussex 0 1 0 1 5 13 48 
			 Thames Valley 0 4 4 3 11 20 75 
			 Warwickshire 0 0 1 2 2 7 19 
			 West Mercia 0 1 1 1 9 9 32 
			 West Midlands 1 4 1 4 19 31 137 
			 West Yorkshire 3 5 1 5 16 27 96 
			 Wiltshire 0 0 0 0 4 6 22 
			 Total 43 forces in England and Wales 23 60 70 95 342 728 2,125 
		
	
	(45) Based on full-time equivalent figures that have been rounded to the nearest whole number.
	(46) Data is collected by the Home Office on a quarterly basis. The figures are based on the total of all of the quarters in the financial year 2004–05. Not all of the 43 forces were able to provide data for each of the quarters, therefore figures are not comparable with other years.

Police

Jeremy Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many employees of the police service on long-term sick leave are claiming incapacity benefit.

Hazel Blears: The requested information is not collected centrally.

Police

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) deputy and (b) assistant chief constables have spent their entire police career serving in one police force.

Hazel Blears: This information is not collected centrally.

Police

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many full-time equivalent special constables there have been in Cambridgeshire police in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: Special constables are volunteers who generally perform policing duties for a few hours per week and the information requested is therefore available on a headcount only basis. The table provides figures on headcount.
	
		Special constable strength in Cambridgeshire, 1997 to 2005 -- Headcount
		
			 As at 31 March:  
		
		
			 1997 303 
			 1998 320 
			 1999 310 
			 2000 274 
			 2001 218 
			 2002 207 
			 2003 189 
			 2004 193 
			 2005 199

Police

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers there are in each division of Staffordshire police force; and what the population is of the area covered by each division.

Hazel Blears: The latest information for Basic Command Units is for 2004–05 and is given in the following table.
	
		Police officer strength (fte)(47) and population figures (in thousands) for the basic command units in Staffordshire for 2004–05.
		
			  Basic command unit Police officer strength (fte)(47) Population figures (thousand) 
		
		
			 Chase 416 320.22 
			 North Staffordshire 299 217.15 
			 Stoke on Trent 585 237.99 
			 Trent Valley 429 273.62 
			 Central Services 580 * 
			 Staffordshire 2,309 1048.98 
		
	
	(47) Police officer strength figures are based on full-time equivalent figures that have been rounded to the nearest whole number

Police

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will rank English police forces by (a) size of local police precept, (b) officers per head of population and (c) officers per notifiable offence for the latest period for which information is available.

Hazel Blears: The latest available information is for 2004–05 and is given in the tables.
	
		Table A: Police precepts on council tax (band D) in England
		
			  Police authority 2004–05 police precept on council tax (band D) (£) 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 125.09 
			 Bedfordshire 107.17 
			 Cambridgeshire 129.33 
			 Cheshire 97.71 
			 Cleveland 136.84 
			 Cumbria 150.28 
			 Derbyshire 122.88 
			 Devon and Cornwall 113.39 
			 Dorset 135.36 
			 Durham 91.53 
			 Essex 99.27 
			 Gloucestershire 156.71 
			 Greater Manchester 98.52 
			 Hampshire 108.36 
			 Hertfordshire 112.53 
			 Humberside 129.96 
			 Kent 105.66 
			 Lancashire 100.70 
			 Leicestershire 120.11 
			 Lincolnshire 112.23 
			 Merseyside 110.17 
			 Metropolitan 184.08 
			 Norfolk 138.69 
			 North Yorkshire 171.50 
			 Northamptonshire 149.43 
			 Northumbria 66.93 
			 Nottinghamshire 120.12 
			 South Yorkshire 102.79 
			 Staffordshire 138.44 
			 Suffolk 119.70 
			 Surrey 147.06 
			 Sussex 105.12 
			 Thames Valley 120.51 
			 Warwickshire 126.55 
			 West Mercia 137.69 
			 West Midlands 80.08 
			 West Yorkshire 102.06 
			 Wiltshire 120.63 
		
	
	Source:
	Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
	
		Table B: Number of police officers(48) per 100,000 population(49), as at 31 March 2005 for English forces
		
			  Police force area Total officers per 100,000 population(49) 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 225 
			 Bedfordshire 215 
			 Cambridgeshire 194 
			 Cheshire 223 
			 Cleveland 305 
			 Cumbria 257 
			 Derbyshire 213 
			 Devon and Cornwall 212 
			 Dorset 211 
			 Durham 293 
			 Essex 198 
			 Gloucestershire 230 
			 Greater Manchester 321 
			 Hampshire 212 
			 Hertfordshire 206 
			 Humberside 255 
			 Kent 227 
			 Lancashire 251 
			 Leicestershire 246 
			 Lincolnshire 185 
			 London, City of * 
			 Merseyside 318 
			 Metropolitan Police 433 
			 Norfolk 192 
			 North Yorkshire 206 
			 Northamptonshire 201 
			 Northumbria 294 
			 Nottinghamshire 245 
			 South Yorkshire 260 
			 Staffordshire 220 
			 Suffolk 195 
			 Surrey 184 
			 Sussex 205 
			 Thames Valley 198 
			 Warwickshire 195 
			 West Mercia 203 
			 West Midlands 316 
			 West Yorkshire 271 
			 Wiltshire 198 
		
	
	(48) Based on full-time equivalent figures that have been rounded to the nearest whole number
	(49) Officers per 100,000 population for City of London and Metropolitan police are combined
	
		Table C: Number of police officers per notifiable offence(50) in 2004–05 for English forces
		
			  Police force area Number of officers per notifiable offence(50) 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 0.0211 
			 Bedfordshire 0.0212 
			 Cambridgeshire 0.0193 
			 Cheshire 0.0247 
			 Cleveland 0.0245 
			 Cumbria 0.0291 
			 Derbyshire 0.0246 
			 Devon and Cornwall 0.0255 
			 Dorset 0.0256 
			 Durham 0.0369 
			 Essex 0.0240 
			 Gloucestershire 0.0245 
			 Greater Manchester 0.0250 
			 Hampshire 0.0220 
			 Hertfordshire 0.0221 
			 Humberside 0.0181 
			 Kent 0.0266 
			 Lancashire 0.0236 
			 Leicestershire 0.0240 
			 Lincolnshire 0.0211 
			 London, City of 0.1014 
			 Merseyside 0.0254 
			 Metropolitan Police 0.0306 
			 Norfolk 0.0234 
			 North Yorkshire 0.0252 
			 Northamptonshire 0.0174 
			 Northumbria 0.0288 
			 Nottinghamshire 0.0176 
			 South Yorkshire 0.0236 
			 Staffordshire 0.0228 
			 Suffolk 0.0254 
			 Surrey 0.0276 
			 Sussex 0.0221 
			 Thames Valley 0.0204 
			 Warwickshire 0.0235 
			 West Mercia 0.0250 
			 West Midlands 0.0277 
			 West Yorkshire 0.0215 
			 Wiltshire 0.0307 
		
	
	(50) This calculation is based on full-time equivalent figures for police officers, and figures have been rounded to four decimal places.

Police

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether all local authorities in Wales will be represented on a new police authority for a single Welsh police force.

Hazel Blears: Yes.
	In order to discharge their functions effectively I believe strategic authorities should in most cases have a maximum of 23 members (in line with that of the Metropolitan Police Authority).
	The Government accept, however, that in some parts of the country, including in Wales, police authorities will need to be larger in order to ensure that all upper tier local authorities are represented. This is important given that police authorities will continue to set a policing precept.

Pornography

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 25 January 2006 to the hon. Member for Crosby, Official Report, column 2135W, on pornography, how many successful prosecutions have been brought in each of the last three years under (a) the Obscene Publications Act 1959, (b) the Indecent Displays Act 1981, (c) the Communications Act 2003, (d) the Video Recordings Act 1984 and (e) the Protection of Children Act 1999 for the illegal transference of pornography to minors.

Fiona Mactaggart: Data from the court proceedings database held by the Office for Criminal Justice reform, showing the number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts for selected offences related to pornography, is provided in the attached table, for England and Wales, 2002–04. It is not possible to identify how many of these prosecutions relate to the illegal transference to minors because the individual circumstances of these prosecution are not collected centrally. Data for 2005 will be available in the autumn of 2006.
	
		Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts for selected offences related to pornography, England and Wales, 2002–04
		
			   2002 2003 2004 
			 Offence description Principal statue Proceeded against Found guilty Proceeded against Found guilty Proceeded against Found guilty 
		
		
			 Prohibition of publication of obscene matter Obscene Publications Act 1959 S.2(1) as amended by Obscene Publications Act 1964 8.1(1) 52 42 39 31 30 25 
			 
			 Take, permit to be taken or to make distribute or publish indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children Protection of Children Act 1978 S.1 as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 S.84 582 434 1,464 1,048 1,097 978 
			 Indecent matter publicly Indecent Displays (Control) Act 1981 SS.1 and 4 3 — 6 3 2 — 
			 
			 Supplying video recording of unclassified work Video Recording Act 1984 S.9 as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 S.88 62 59 44 44 42 31 
			 
			 Video recording of unclassified work for the purpose of supply Video Recording Act 1984 S.10 as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 S.88 64 62 40 31 49 43 
			 
			 Supplying video recording of classified work in breach of classification Video Recording Act 1984 S.11 as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 S.88 22 14 25 17 11 8 
			 
			 Certain video recordings only to be supplied in licensed sex shops Video Recording Act 1984 S.12 as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 S.88 9 4 13 10 64 48 
			 
			 Supply of video recording not complying with requirements as to labels etc Video Recording Act 1984 S.13 — — — — 1 — 
			 
			 Supply of video recordings containing false indication as to classification Video Recording Act 1984 S.14 as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 S.88 — — 2 — 2 2 
			 
			 Improper use of public electronic communications network Communications Act 2003 S.127 n/a n/a n/a n/a 214 143 
		
	
	Note:
	These data are on the principal offence basis
	Source: RDS-Office for Criminal Justice Reform

Prisoners

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people in Peterborough who were tagged on early release from prison have breached the rules governing their early release in each of the last five years.

Fiona Mactaggart: 15 people were recalled to prison in 2005 for failing to comply with the curfew conditions after being released early on home detention curfew from Peterborough prison. 204 people in total were released from Peterborough prison on home detention curfew during 2005. The prison opened on 28 March 2005. Information on the total number of people serving their curfew period while living in Peterborough is not centrally available.

Prisons

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners in (a) Chelmsford, (b) Coldingley, (c) Elmley and (d) Rochester prison have tested positive for drugs in each year since 1997.

Fiona Mactaggart: holding answer 8 February 2006
	There are three main types of drug testing in prisons: clinical; mandatory; and voluntary. Data on clinical and voluntary testing are not held centrally. The random mandatory drug testing programme is used to measure levels of drug misuse in prison. The random MDT figures are given in the following table:
	
		
			  Chelmsford Coldingley Elmley Rochester 
			  Positive (Number) Percentage Positive (Number) Percentage Positive (Number) Percentage Positive (Number) Percentage 
		
		
			 1996–97 114 34.2 150 36.2 158 20.9 21 5.3 
			 1997–98 75 24.0 141 29.2 145 13.5 21 4.2 
			 1998–99 93 23.1 29 13.7 116 11.8 18 4.2 
			 1999–2000 47 24.5 37 12.2 105 13.7 14 3.0 
			 2000–01 41 16.2 30 7.8 49 8.2 11 2.3 
			 2001–02 56 16.0 50 11.7 78 11.9 11 3.7 
			 2002–03 83 22.9 55 13.1 51 9.9 18 9.7 
			 2003–04 87 25.7 76 16.6 74 11.7 22 9.3 
			 2004–05 37 10.8 71 15.1 79 13.0 17 4.1 
			 2005–06(51) 27 10.3 72 18.6 26 5.4 18 4.8 
		
	
	(51) Year to date (April to December 2005).

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many inmates at each prison were subject to (a) closed visits and (b) visit bans in each of the last 12 months for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Fiona Mactaggart: Information relating to individual prisons is not collated centrally in the format required. I shall write to the hon. Member with available information and place a copy in the Library.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost of the performance testing exercise at HMP Wandsworth was; what assessment he has made of its impact; how he intends to monitor performance against the defined outputs of the exercise; what assessment he has made of the value for money of the exercise; and if he will make a statement.

Fiona Mactaggart: Performance testing was introduced as a mechanis, to improve performance in poorly performing establishments. The additional cost of the performance test process at Wandsworth prison was £200,000. This excludes any contribution made from within the establishment's existing resource.
	Wandsworth was awarded a service level agreement as a result of their successful bid. The area manager and the regional offender manager monitor performance closely to ensure that performance levels are sustained. Performance testing has proved to be an extremely cost-effective mechanism for improving poorly performing establishments. A full report on progress made at Wandsworth since the performance test will be submitted to the interim chief executive of NOMS. This will highlight significant improvement against a range of indicators, including better basic conditions for prisoners, a more constructive regime and improved security and standards audit scores.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) prison governors, (b) prison officers and (c) other prison staff have been found with (i) controlled drugs and (ii) other contraband at each prison establishment in each of the last five years; how many cases in each category were referred to the police for investigation; and if he will make a statement.

Fiona Mactaggart: The investigations database does not record whether cases are referred to the police for investigation. Investigations are not categorised by grade making it impossible to distinguish between governors, prison officers and administrative grades who have been investigated for drug-related offences. The total in the table relates to the number of staff and not investigations. Whether every individual was found with items in their possession could be established only at proportionate cost.
	
		Investigations regarding trafficking drugs or other prohibited articles into prison establishments
		
			 Establishment Staff (Number) 
		
		
			 Askham Grange 1 
			 Bedford 1 
			 Birmingham 4 
			 Bristol 1 
			 Brixton 4 
			 Bullingdon 4 
			 Bullwood Hall 1 
			 Camp Hill 1 
			 Chelmsford 1 
			 Durham 1 
			 Erlestoke 1 
			 Feltham 2 
			 Ford 1 
			 Frankland 1 
			 Grendon 1 
			 Guys Marsh 2 
			 Highdown 3 
			 Huntercombe 1 
			 Lancaster Castle 1 
			 Leeds 1 
			 Leicester 1 
			 Lincoln 2 
			 Liverpool 2 
			 Nor Sea Camp 1 
			 Onley 1 
			 Parkhurst 1 
			 Pentonville 3 
			 Portland 1 
			 Ranby 1 
			 Reading 2 
			 Risley 1 
			 Send 1 
			 Stoke Heath 2 
			 Sudbury 1 
			 Swaleside 2 
			 Swansea 1 
			 The Mount 2 
			 Wakefield 2 
			 Werrington 1 
			 Whitemoor 1 
			 Winchester 1 
			 Wormwood Scrubs 1 
			 Total 64

Prisons

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners were reclassified by category in each of the last five years.

Fiona Mactaggart: The information requested is not held centrally and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Prisons

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners in open conditions were returned to closed conditions during each of the last five years.

Fiona Mactaggart: The information requested is not routinely recorded and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Prisons

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the capacity is of prisons in England and Wales; and how many prisoners were detained at the most recent date for which figures are available.

Fiona Mactaggart: As on 3 February 2006, the useable operational capacity of prisons in England and Wales was 78,712. The prison population was 76,070.

Prisons

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the (a) Certified normal accommodation (CNA), (b) in use CNA and (c) prisoner unlock figure was for each prison establishment as of 28th October 2005.

Fiona Mactaggart: holding answer 16 February 2006
	The figures requested for 28 October 2005 are set out in the table. Certified normal accommodation (CNA) level is the uncrowded capacity of the establishment. All establishments operate within their operational capacity, which is the total number of prisoners that an establishment is certified to hold taking into account control, security and the proper operation of the planned regime.
	
		
			 Prison name Baseline CNA In use CNA Unlock 
		
		
			 Acklington 882 882 873 
			 Albany 526 526 522 
			 Altcourse 614 614 1,002 
			 Ashfield 407 400 374 
			 Ashwell 535 535 539 
			 Askham Grange 151 129 99 
			 Aylesbury 432 432 434 
			 Bedford 324 324 475 
			 Belmarsh 799 799 916 
			 Birmingham 1,121 1,121 1,378 
			 Blakenhurst 827 821 1,055 
			 Blantyre House 122 122 110 
			 Blundeston 420 420 460 
			 Brinsford 477 477 470 
			 Bristol 426 426 600 
			 Brixton 606 606 799 
			 Brockhill 164 145 147 
			 Bronzefield 451 451 436 
			 Buckley Hall 350 110 51 
			 Bullingdon 759 759 960 
			 Bullwood Hall 180 167 134 
			 Camp Hill 513 513 584 
			 Canterbury 196 196 306 
			 Cardiff 524 524 747 
			 Castington 400 400 381 
			 Channings Wood 634 634 662 
			 Chelmsford 441 437 574 
			 Coldingley 370 370 386 
			 Cookham Wood 137 137 175 
			 Dartmoor 598 598 612 
			 Deerbolt 513 453 357 
			 Doncaster 771 771 1088 
			 Dorchester 147 147 239 
			 Dovegate 800 800 829 
			 Dover 314 314 271 
			 Downview 350 251 248 
			 Drake Hall 315 315 287 
			 Durham 574 555 870 
			 East Sutton Park 94 94 95 
			 Eastwood Park 310 310 300 
			 Edmunds Hill 372 303 262 
			 Elmley 753 753 984 
			 Erlestoke 426 426 423 
			 Everthorpe 603 603 651 
			 Exeter 316 316 528 
			 Featherstone 599 599 609 
			 Feltham 764 764 624 
			 Ford 541 541 525 
			 Forest Bank 800 800 1057 
			 Foston Hall 267 267 259 
			 Frankland 733 718 707 
			 Full Sutton 601 601 588 
			 Garth 633 633 660 
			 Gartree 651 471 474 
			 Glen Parva 668 668 803 
			 Gloucester 229 214 291 
			 Grendon 254 241 228 
			 Guys Marsh 519 519 568 
			 Haslar 160 160 125 
			 Haverigg 558 558 560 
			 Hewell Grange 176 176 167 
			 Highdown 643 627 735 
			 Highpoint 792 792 803 
			 Hindley 539 455 362 
			 Hollesley Bay 330 330 314 
			 Holloway 544 476 454 
			 Holme House 857 857 986 
			 Hull 820 721 960 
			 Huntercombe 360 360 359 
			 Kingston 194 193 193 
			 Kirkham 590 570 446 
			 Kirklevington 223 223 209 
			 Lancaster 159 159 241 
			 Lancaster Farms 480 480 485 
			 Latchmere House 207 207 198 
			 Leeds 806 806 1247 
			 Leicester 206 206 348 
			 Lewes 458 458 533 
			 Leyhill 520 508 479 
			 Lincoln 449 307 488 
			 Lindholme 802 802 810 
			 Littlehey 664 664 699 
			 Liverpool 1,142 1,122 1,342 
			 Long Lartin 599 444 448 
			 Low Newton 343 278 247 
			 Lowdham Grange 504 504 523 
			 Maidstone 548 548 551 
			 Manchester 961 954 1237 
			 Moorland 740 740 765 
			 Moorland Open 260 260 236 
			 Morton Hall 392 392 253 
			 Mount 704 704 703 
			 New Hall 367 367 380 
			 North Sea Camp 306 306 292 
			 Northallerton 153 151 244 
			 Norwich 587 587 757 
			 Nottingham 385 385 507 
			 Onley 640 520 543 
			 Pare 839 839 1,028 
			 Parkhurst 459 459 501 
			 Pentonville 921 868 1,188 
			 Peterborough 840 840 811 
			 Portland 530 380 385 
			 Prescoed 160 160 165 
			 Preston 418 330 605 
			 Ranby 912 912 1,011 
			 Reading 190 190 284 
			 Risley 1,038 1,038 1,064 
			 Rochester 392 392 389 
			 Rye Hill 600 600 594 
			 Send 220 216 213 
			 Shepton Mallet 163 160 184 
			 Shrewsbury 182 168 298 
			 Spring Hill 334 334 304 
			 Stafford 680 680 673 
			 Standford Hill 464 464 446 
			 Stocken 595 595 616 
			 Stoke Heath 574 574 648 
			 Styal 428 405 439 
			 Sudbury 563 563 546 
			 Swaleside 756 756 768 
			 Swansea 248 248 421 
			 Swinfen Hall 600 600 603 
			 Thorn Cross 316 316 240 
			 Usk 150 150 248 
			 Verne 552 552 581 
			 Wakefield 746 566 562 
			 Wandsworth 1,113 845 1,397 
			 Warren Hill 222 222 214 
			 Wayland 657 657 702 
			 Wealstun 885 835 828 
			 Wellingborough 638 572 572 
			 Werrington 146 146 144 
			 Wetherby 360 360 345 
			 Whatton 319 319 358 
			 Whitemoor 492 464 423 
			 Winchester 476 476 695 
			 Wolds 330 330 294 
			 Woodhill 677 650 763 
			 Wormwood Scrubs 1,172 1,156 1244 
			 Wymott 1,021 997 1,043

Prisons

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are used for assessing the transfer of operation of prisons from the public to private sector.

Fiona Mactaggart: holding answer 16 February 2006
	The transfer of operational management of a prison from the public sector to the private sector, or vice versa, would normally occur under the terms of a market test. Under a market test of an existing establishment, an invitation to tender (ITT) is issued to potential bidders from all sectors, including the incumbent management.
	The ITT contains the criteria against which tenders will be evaluated. The criteria for the evaluation of compliant bids for past market tests of prison management have been financial and operational deliverability and the consequent demonstration of comparative value for money.

Public Order

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions his Department held with the Metropolitan Police prior to the demonstrations on 3 February and 4 February to discuss response tactics; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: Operational tactics to deal with demonstrations are a matter for the police. There was no contact between the Home Office and the Metropolitan police before the protest outside the Danish Embassy on 3 February.

Public Order

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders have been issued in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) Tyne and Wear, (d) the north east and (e) England and Wales in each year since their inception; and how many people have since broken the conditions of their order in each case.

Hazel Blears: Information on antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) issued at constituency level is not collected centrally. A table giving a breakdown by the local government authority area in which prohibitions are imposed within ASBOs is available on the crime reduction website at www.crimereduction.gov.uk. This table gives data by year since ASBOs were introduced up to 30 June 2005 (latest available). ASBO breach data held centrally only cover breach proceedings where there has been a conviction. These data, at criminal justice system area level only, are currently available from 1 June 2000 to 31 December 2003 for ASBOs issued since 1 June 2000. The available information is given in the table.
	
		The number of antisocial behaviour orders breached, as reported to the Home Office, by period and area, from 1 June 2000 to 31 December 2003(52)
		
			  Period 
			  June 2000 to December 2000 2001 2002 2003 June 2000 to December 2003 
		
		
			 Northumbria criminal justice system area — 1 10 13 15 
			 The north east region(53) 1 12 30 44 58 
			 England and Wales 14 118 118 240 609 793 
		
	
	(52) Breaches are counted in this table on a persons basis, i.e. where the order has been breached on more than one occasion within the same period, a person is counted once only within that period.
	(53) Comprising Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland criminal justice system areas.
	.

Student Visas

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the members of the taskforce on student visa changes; and whether the taskforce will consider the residence reporting requirements which apply to a number of countries.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 14 February 2006
	In a statement on 1 November 2005 the Home Office, other Government Departments and stakeholders represented on the Joint Education Taskforce made a joint commitment to ensuring that the UK retains its position as a world leader in international education and maintains effective systems for regulating immigration.
	This statement, available on the IND website, also listed the existing members of the taskforce. The requirement for students of certain nationalities to register with the police arises is not for immigration purposes and therefore the Home Office has no plans to discuss this at the taskforce.

Terrorism

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to teach (a) police and (b) civilians how to recognise improvised explosive devices.

Hazel Blears: Police training is primarily a matter for the relevant chief constable. However, there are national arrangements in place for the accreditation of police search advisers. This includes specialist training on the recognition of improvised explosive devices.
	There are no plans specifically to teach civilians how to recognise improvised explosive devices. The focus is instead on raising public awareness about suspicious behaviour and suspect packages and alerting the relevant authorities as necessary.

Terrorism

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what (a) purposes and (b) projects the (i) Metropolitan Police Service specific grant, (ii) regional specific counter-terrorism grant and (iii) specific counter-terrorism capital grant will be used.

Hazel Blears: The new specific CT grant will provide the police service with a dedicated and specific funding stream to ensure that it is effectively resourced to counter the international terrorist threat and domestic extremism. It will include a range of capabilities including intelligence and investigation and protective security. As you will appreciate we cannot comment on the specific projects and programmes undertaken by the police service on counter terrorism activity for security reasons.

Terrorism

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the effects police force amalgamations and restructuring will have on counter-terrorism funding and its distribution to each police force.

Hazel Blears: The Government remain committed to ensuring that the police service has the necessary resources to meet its CT commitments. The creation of strategic forces will help free up resources to reinvest in counter-terrorism and other protective services.
	Moreover, the additional police counter-terrorism funding, which amounts to £173 million over the next two years, announced on 25 January 2006, Official Report, column 57WS, will further strengthen the police service's intelligence and investigative capability both in the capital and across the rest of the service.
	Counter terrorism and tackling domestic extremism will continue to be a priority under the new force structure and funding arrangements will be in place to reflect these priorities.

Traffic Wardens

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police forces in England and Wales employ traffic wardens.

Hazel Blears: 30 police forces in England and Wales employed a total of 1,291 traffic wardens on 30 September 2005. We do not maintain data on the number of parking attendants employed by local authorities.

Urination in Public

Michael Wills: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will increase the penalty for urinating in public.

Fiona Mactaggart: There is no specific national offence of urinating in the street. Infringement of local authority byelaws can result in police caution or prosecution in the courts. Courts may impose a fine. Nationally, this behaviour may in appropriate circumstances be dealt with as an incident of being drunk and disorderly under section 91 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991, or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress under section five of the Public Order Act 1986.
	Both these offences are included in the penalty notice for disorder scheme which enables the police to issue fixed penalty notices for incidents of low level, nuisance crime. Under the scheme a person committing either of these offences may be issued with a fixed penalty of £80. The Respect Action Plan, launched by the Prime Minister on 10 January, stated that this higher tier penalty will be raised to £100 later this year.

Visas

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people from (a) the Democratic Republic of Congo, (b) Nigeria and (c) the US have been refused leave to enter the UK for the purpose of family reunion in each of the last five years.

Kim Howells: I have been asked to reply.
	The figures requested are given in the table as follows:
	
		
			  As at February: 
			 Nationality/ Year 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 
		
		
			 Democratic Republic of Congo 1 56 88 55 52 
			 Nigeria 3 0 0 1 0 
			 US 0 0 0 1 1 
		
	
	The statistics given represent the numbers of nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and the US who have been refused a visa to enter the UK for the purpose of family reunion in each of the last five years. UK visas, the department with responsibility for entry clearance matters arising overseas, does not hold statistics on the numbers of people who may have been refused entry by an Immigration Officer at a UK port of entry.

Visas

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many successful appeals there were on visa refusal decisions by (a) Nigerian, (b) Pakistani, (c) Ghanaian, (d) Australian and (e) United States nationals in each of the last five years.

Kim Howells: I have been asked to reply.
	The Department for Constitutional Affairs, which has responsibility for the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT), has provided the figures in the table for the number of successful entry clearance appeals by Nigerian, Pakistani and Ghanaian nationals for the period 4 April—30 September 2005.
	
		
			 Nationality Successful appeals 
		
		
			 Nigerian 30 
			 Pakistani 90 
			 Ghanaian 44 
		
	
	Figures are only available for this period because prior to the AIT being created on 4 April 2005, the Immigration Appellate Authority (IAA) did not categorise figures for entry clearance appeals separately.
	Figures for Australian and United States nationals are not available because the AIT's reports on promulgation by nationality of the appellant, only concentrates on the top 20 countries.

Visas

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what average time an entry clearance officer took to make a decision on a visa application in the last period for which figures are available.

Kim Howells: I have been asked to reply.
	UKvisas does not calculate the average time it takes an Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) to make a decision on an entry clearance application. However, three of UKvisas' public service agreement (PSA) Targets indicating the length of time a Visa Section should aim to resolve an application, were met in financial year 2004–05. They are as follows:
	90 per cent. of straightforward non-settlement visa applications to be processed and available for return to the applicant within 24 hours from the date of receipt by the Visa Section of the application and all supporting documents including the fee.
	90 per cent. of non-settlement applications requiring further inquiries or interview to be decided within 15 working days from the date of receipt by a Visa Section of the application and all supporting documents including the fee.
	90 per cent. of applicants for settlement visas to be interviewed within target times as follows:
	12 weeks, except in four busy settlement posts (New Delhi, Bombay, Dhaka and Islamabad), where the following maximum waiting times for a settlement interview should apply:
	Queue 1: (Right of Abode claims: dependent relatives over 65; special compassionate cases): 3 months maximum;
	Queue 2: (Spouses, children under 18): 3 months maximum;
	Queue 3: (Fiance"(e)s, other settlement categories): 6 months maximum;
	Queue 4: (settlement re-applicants): 9 months maximum.

Young Offenders

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young people of school age (a) found guilty of a crime and (b) placed in custody had a previous history of being in care in (i) Uxbridge constituency, (ii) the London borough of Hillingdon, (iii) Greater London and (iv) England in each year since 1997.

Fiona Mactaggart: The available information is shown in the table.
	It is not possible from the statistics collected centrally to identify the Uxbridge constituency. The figures in the table relate to the petty sessional area of Hillingdon which sits at Uxbridge.
	In relation to children in custody who have a previous history of being in care, the Social Exclusion Report Reducing re-offending by ex prisoners", annex D, says (page 157 D10), quoting an HMIP survey, that
	over half of those under 18 in custody, have a history of being in care or social services involvement".
	
		Number of persons sentenced and convicted aged 10 to 16 for indictable offences in Hillingdon(54), London(55)and England, 1997 to 2004
		
			  Offenders 
			  England London Hillingdon 
		
		
			 1997
			 Guilty 27,256 3,522 65 
			 Immediate custody 2,832 475 10 
			 
			 1998
			 Guilty 29,703 3,881 96 
			 Immediate custody 2,804 426 5 
			 
			 1999
			 Guilty 30,600 4,116 90 
			 Immediate custody 2,863 407 4 
			 
			 2000
			 Guilty 30,100 4,119 114 
			 Immediate custody 3,070 472 15 
			 
			 2001
			 Guilty 31,439 4,675 115 
			 Immediate custody 3,368 490 5 
			 
			 2002
			 Guilty 30,295 4,625 123 
			 Immediate custody 3,320 560 2 
			 
			 2003
			 Guilty 28,702 4,200 103 
			 Immediate custody 2,657 414 10 
			 
			 2004
			 Guilty 30,038 4,360 118 
			 Immediate custody 2,653 440 6 
		
	
	(54) Comprises the Hillingdon petty sessional area with the Uxbridge magistrates court.
	(55) Comprises the City of London and Metropolitan police force areas.
	Source: RDS-NOMS 6/02/2006

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Afghanistan

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps have been taken to encourage Afghan farmers to move from growing poppies to other crops; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: Agriculture dominates the Afghan economy. Previously Afghanistan was a major exporter of horticulture and livestock products. However, 25 years of war and civil conflict and the recent drought have seriously affected Afghanistan's agriculture sector. Developing this sector is critical for economic growth, poverty reduction and for tackling opium poppy cultivation.
	DFID leads the British Government's efforts to develop alternative livelihoods to opium production in Afghanistan. In financial year 2005–06, we are spending over £45 million for this purpose. This is an almost tenfold increase on the amount spent in 2003–04. In financial year 2006–07 spending is expected to continue at similar levels. A proportion of this funding will continue to be specifically targeted on improving agricultural opportunities for Afghan farmers. This includes research to help identify, test and implement new crops and technologies. Examples include improvements in health and husbandry for livestock, apricot drying, honey bee keeping, and the introduction of fruit tree nurseries and greenhouses for vegetable production. DFID has also jointly funded with United States Agency for International Development a $25 million nationwide programme to increase access to seeds and fertiliser for over 500,000 farmers for alternative crops.
	At the same time as developing agricultural opportunities, DFID is also promoting the development of non-farm alternative livelihoods by supporting national programmes of the Government of Afghanistan which are helping to increase access to credit and improve infrastructure for farmers to transport their produce to markets.

Afghanistan

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the counter-narcotics trust fund in Afghanistan.

Hilary Benn: DFID has not yet carried out an assessment of the effectiveness of the Counter-Narcotics Trust Fund (CNTF). It is too early to do so, as the CNTF was launched at the end of October 2005. The Government are putting together CNTF spending proposals for its 2006–07 budget, which is expected to be passed in March 2006. There will be regular monitoring and reporting on the performance of the CNTF by UNDP and a Steering Committee of Government and donor representatives. DFID will undertake an annual review in early 2007 for its £20 million three-year commitment. An independent evaluation commissioned by UNDP covering the effectiveness of the CNTF is envisaged before October 2007.

Afghanistan

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department has provided in Direct Budgetary Support to Afghanistan in each year since 2001; how much will be given in each year until 2008; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: DFID has not yet provided any un-earmarked Direct Budgetary Support to Afghanistan. However, DFID is one of the largest contributors to the Government of Afghanistan's budget. We have contributed £135 million of un-earmarked support through the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) since 2002. The ARTF is a multi-donor trust fund administered by the World Bank. It channels money through Government systems. However, there are independent monitoring agents that verify actual expenditures on the Government's recurrent budget. The ARTF operates on a reimbursement basis. Only eligible expenditures are reimbursed by the ARTF. It is therefore not Direct Budgetary Support.
	The breakdown of this £135 million by Afghan fiscal years is:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 2002–03 15 
			 2003–04 30 
			 2004–05 45 
			 2005–06 45 
		
	
	DFID plans to provide a further £50 million in 2006–07 and £55 million in 2007–08 in un-earmarked support to the Government, subject to effective use of the funds.
	DFID has also financed several specific national programmes through the Government's budget. This includes £30 million since 2003–04 to the ARTF for alternative livelihoods activities to tackle the opium problem in Afghanistan. We intend to contribute at least a further £25 million for alternative livelihoods until 2008. DFID contributed £20 million in 2004 directly to the Government's Afghanistan Stabilisation Programme to help strengthen ties between provincial government and the central Administration. We have also agreed this year to a three-year commitment of £20 million for the Counter-Narcotics Trust Fund (CNTF). The CNTF will also channel money through the Government's budget to finance counter-narcotics activities.

Afghanistan

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) bilateral and (b) multilateral funding his Department has given to non-governmental organisations working in Afghanistan in each year since 2001.

Hilary Benn: The following table provides approximate figures for bilateral funding provided directly by DFID to non-governmental organisations for work in Afghanistan in each year since 2001:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 2001–02 22.5 
			 2002–03 5.8 
			 2003–04 2.5 
			 2004–05 1.8 
			 2005–06 4.7 
		
	
	A further significant portion of DFID's programme goes to NGOs indirectly through the Government of Afghanistan, which subcontracts implementation of many of its national programmes (to which DFID contributes funding) to national and international NGOs, as well as other implementing partners. Exact figures for NGOs are not easily available. Other direct recipients of DFID funding, such as UN agencies, also use NGOs as implementing partners.
	DFID also provides global funds to NGOs through Partnership Programme Agreements (PPA). PPAs are long-term agreements of three to five years with civil society organisations which have a strong track record of work in international development and an ability to make a contribution to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The way PPA support is set out means that we cannot attribute DFID funding to any specific activity or country. OXFAM, ActionAid, Christian Aid, and Save the Children UK all have Partnership Programme Agreements with DFID, and work in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) bilateral and (b) multilateral aid has been provided to Afghanistan by the UK in each year since 2001; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: The following table shows total bilateral aid provided to Afghanistan by the UK Government (including Departments other than DFID) in each financial year since 2001:
	
		Total UK Government bilateral aid to Afghanistan
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 2000–01 7.5 
			 2001–02 50 
			 2002–03 76 
			 2003–04 99.6 
			 2004–05 99 
		
	
	Total bilateral aid in 2005–06 is expected to be around £150 million. The Prime Minister announced on 31 January that the UK expects to spend some £500 million in Afghanistan in the three year period from 2006–09.
	The second table shows figures available for the UK's estimated share of multilateral aid to Afghanistan in each financial year since 2001. Figures for 2004 and 2005 are yet to be published.
	
		UK share of multilateral aid to Afghanistan
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 2001 6.7 
			 2002 16.5 
			 2003 20.1

Afghanistan

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much the UK has provided to Afghanistan for developing education facilities and increasing access to education in each year since 2001; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: DFID has not provided direct assistance to the education sector in Afghanistan, with the exception of very limited support (£47,000) for primary education of refugees in 2001–02. However, through our funding to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF), DFID supports the Government of Afghanistan's budget, which finances significant expenditure in the education sector. Since 2002–03 the operating budget for education as a whole has risen by 250 per cent. Overall civil service numbers have remained stable, but there has been a major increase in the number of teachers, who constitute one of the largest portions of the civil service. DFID's contribution to the ARTF, to which we are the biggest donor, has thus played a big part in increasing the number of children in school since 2002.
	Support to development projects in the education sector was budgeted to rise by 60 per cent. in 2005–06. Other donors have taken the lead in providing direct support to the education sector, including the World Bank, the United States Agency for International Development, Denmark, and United Nations Agencies. The UK is therefore also supporting the education sector in Afghanistan through its contributions to multilateral agencies such as the World Bank and the UN, but we do not have specific breakdowns. Through donor support to the education sector, over a thousand schools have been built or rehabilitated, which has enabled the enrolment of 5.6 million children, 37 per cent. of them girls.

Afghanistan

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much the UK has provided to Afghanistan for (a) the development of health capacity and (b) increasing access to treatments in each year since 2001; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: DFID support to the health sector is mostly through our funding to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). The ARTF supports the Government's budget, including the health sector. This plays a big part in meeting recurrent costs such as wages and salaries of Government health workers and medical supplies. The Government's health programme was expanded to all 34 provinces, covering 70 per cent. of the population, and there has been a 60 per cent. increase in functioning health centres.
	Other donors have been very active in the health sector, including the World Bank and United Nations Agencies such as the World Health Organisation. The UK is therefore also supporting the health sector in Afghanistan through its contributions to multilateral agencies, but we do not have specific breakdowns.
	From 2002–05, DFID provided technical cooperation (£295,000 in total) to the Government of Afghanistan and the World Health Organisation to strengthen capacity for delivery of health services.

Afghanistan

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much the UK has provided to Afghanistan (a) for strengthening women's rights and (b) for improving access to clean water and sanitation in each year since 2001; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: The following table shows DFID's bilateral expenditure on projects that have targeted the strengthening of women's rights in Afghanistan. These figures reflect all projects that were recorded as having a significant focus on this policy objective, but it should be noted that these projects will also have targeted other policy objectives.
	
		
			  Expenditure (£) 
		
		
			 2000–01 1,289,682 
			 2001–02 1,492,179 
			 2002–03 4,505,407 
			 2003–04 5,847,680 
			 2003–05 5,970,913 
		
	
	Recording expenditure on water and sanitation presents a challenge due to the cross-cutting nature of many water and sanitation initiatives and the range of instruments used to channel development assistance, including budget support to Governments and via multilateral organisations.
	Since much of our expenditure on water and sanitation is cross-cutting, for example as part of our health and education programmes, a detailed analysis is required to obtain more specific figures. DFID has commissioned a series of reports on financial support to the water sector; this analysis estimates that DFID bilateral expenditure on water and sanitation projects in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2004 is as follows:
	
		
			  Expenditure (£) 
		
		
			 2001–02 3,817,000 
			 2002–03 1,597,000 
			 2003–04 301,000 
		
	
	Analysis is currently being updated for 2004–05 and figures will be placed on DFID's website at www.dfid.gov.uk when available.
	DFID also channels significant funds through multilateral organisations including the UN, EU and WB. A proportion of this spend also contributes to outcomes in water and sanitation and women's rights.

Afghanistan

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many staff from his Department have worked in Afghanistan in each year since 2001; what estimate he has made of the number who will work there in each year until 2008; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: The following table shows the number of DFID staff posts filled in Afghanistan from 2001 until now:
	
		
			  UK staff posts Afghan staff posts Total 
		
		
			 2001 4 0 4 
			 2002 7 4 11 
			 2003 9 7 16 
			 2004 13 8 21 
			 2005 16 10 26 
			 2006 15 9 24 
		
	
	Estimates of staffing to 2008 are not available; plans are under review.
	Figures include DFID staff working outside the DFID office on secondment to other organisations, or with Provincial Reconstruction Teams. They do not include DFID staff working on Afghanistan in Pakistan (in 2001–02) or the UK, staff from the Post-Conflict Reconstruction Unit on short-term assignment, Afghan drivers or guards, contracted consultants, or unfilled posts under recruitment. Some posts may have been filled by more than one person in any one year where staff changed mid-year. Others were vacant for part of the year.

Coercive Abortion

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 20 January 2006, Official Report, column 1639W, on coercive abortion, 
	(1)  if he will list the occasions when UK officials have raised the issue of coercive abortion bilaterally in appropriate circumstances; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how officials in his Department interpret appropriate circumstances in relation to raising the issue of coercive abortion bilaterally; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: DFID interprets appropriate circumstances as those occasions judged to offer the best opportunity to seriously engage with senior officials. Under the UK presidency of the EU, we specifically raised the case of Chen Guangcheng, a lawyer who revealed information about forced abortions and sterilisations in Linyi City, Shandong Province, with the Chinese Government in October and November in 2005. We also raised our concerns more generally about the issue of coercive abortion with an unofficial delegation of senior Chinese policy-makers who visited the UK in August 2005.

Departmental Entertainment

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much was spent on entertainment by his Department in 2004–05; and how much of that sum is accounted for by (a) food, (b) alcohol, (c) staff and (d) accommodation.

Gareth Thomas: The total cost for entertainment in 2004–05 was £303,000.
	This figure for entertainment includes working breakfasts and lunches, refreshments at meetings and official entertainment. It is not possible to disaggregate specific entertainment costs relating to food, alcohol, staff and accommodation without incurring disproportionate cost.
	All entertainment is made in accordance with published departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on principles set out in Government Accounting.

Departmental Recruitment

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many job advertisements were placed by his Department (a) in total, (b) in print newspapers and magazines and (c) on a recruitment website in each year since 1997; and at what (i) total and (ii) average cost in each case.

Gareth Thomas: All of DFID's external job advertisements are placed in the national press or specialised magazines in addition to appearing on DFID's own website. Since 2003 all of our vacancies have also been placed on the civil service recruitment gateway website. There is no advertising cost associated with this facility.
	Details of the number and cost of job advertisements placed by DFID for the five calendar years 2001–05 are as follows. Figures prior to 2001 are not available.
	
		
			  2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 
		
		
			 Total number of advertisements 191 135 140 128 80 
			 Total cost (£) 772,780 766,167 703,012 594,769 307,359 
			 Average cost (£) 4,046 5,675 5,022 4,647 3,842 
			   
			 Number placed in print newspapers and magazines 189 135 139 122 79 
			 Cost (£) 772,233 766,167 702,871 593,336 307,171 
			 Average cost (£) 4,086 5,675 5,057 4,863 3,888 
			   
			 Number placed on an external recruitment website 2 0 1 6 1 
			 Cost (£) 546 0 141 1,434 188 
			 Average cost (£) 273 0 141 239 188

Gabon

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much international aid was given to Gabon in (a) 1980 and (b) 2005.

Hilary Benn: The amount of international aid given to Gabon from all donors was (a) £24.01 million in 1980 and (b) £20.62 million in 2004, which is the latest year for which figures are available.

HIV/AIDS

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment he has made of the incidence of HIV/AIDS in (a) India, (b) Bangladesh and (c) Pakistan; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: India remains a low prevalence country with overall HIV prevalence of 0.91 per cent. i.e. less than 1 per cent. of the population. However, the overall figures mask various sub epidemics in various groups in the country. These sub-national epidemics are evidenced by high prevalence of HIV among both STD clinic attendees and antenatal clinic attendees.
	The higher prevalence States in India are Tamil Nadu, Maharastra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Manipur and Nagaland in the North.
	As of 2004, India has an estimated 5,134,000 people living with HIV or AIDS. This represents an increase of 28,000 from 5,106,000 people in 2003. The balance between urban and rural prevalence is 41 per cent. urban, 59 per cent. rural. 61 per cent. of the infections are in men, 39 per cent. in women.
	The consensus is that India has a window of opportunity to act decisively. We and partners are increasingly working with the Government of India to do so.
	DFID is providing £123 million over seven years to the Government of India's National AIDS Control programme. This includes funding directly through the National AIDS Control Organisation and a package of technical assistance which funds, among other things, a resource centre, mass media campaigns, UN agency work and a challenge fund.
	HIV/AIDS prevalence in Bangladesh is estimated at less than 0.2 per cent. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare estimated that 7,500 people in Bangladesh were living with HIV and AIDS at the end of 2004.
	Nevertheless a number of factors mean that Bangladesh is vulnerable to a rapid spread of the HIV epidemic, including very high levels of behavioural risk in vulnerable groups and high levels of migration both within Bangladesh and from neighbouring countries with higher prevalence rates.
	The most recent data on Bangladesh indicates that even among population groups with high risk behaviours, HIV prevalence remains less than 1 per cent. The exception to this is injecting drug users (IDUs) in central Bangladesh where HIV prevalence is 4.9 per cent., with pockets in Dhaka where levels are as high as 8.9 percent.
	DFID has been providing support for HIV prevention work in Bangladesh since 1995. We are currently contributing £4 million to a programme of support for the Government of Bangladesh's response to the epidemic. This includes targeted HIV prevention services for groups with high risk behaviours and efforts to improve systems to ensure safe blood transfusion.
	Data for Pakistan is scarce but HIV/AIDS prevalence is estimated at 0.2 per cent. of the population. There are however concerns that the country could be on the verge of a serious HIV problem. The combination of high levels of risk behaviour and limited knowledge about AIDS among drug injectors and sex workers are contributing to the rapid spread of HIV in high risk groups.
	Knowledge of HIV among injectors (and sex workers) is extremely low. In Karachi, more than one quarter had never heard of AIDS and as transmitted infections rates are high. The extent of overlapping high risk practices and the mobility of sex workers and drug users poses the threat of a serious HIV epidemic in Pakistan.
	DFID is working with both public sector programmes and public-private partnerships. DFID's current and recent direct support has amounted to £4 million. We are also contributing through budget support and technical assistance to seven national health programmes, which include the National Aids Control programme. This includes further support for the national AIDS strategy and promoting within this better integration of HIV and AIDS and reproductive health services.

Kenya

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps are being taken by his Department to address the food crisis in Kenya following the recent drought.

Hilary Benn: During my recent visit to Kenya I committed a further £3 million in response to the food crisis in Kenya. This brings the total UK contribution to £12.7 million since July 2004. A total of 3 million people mostly in the north eastern and eastern parts of Kenya are affected by the drought. The levels of malnutrition are unacceptably high and urgent action is needed by all parties—Government, donors, NGOs, and communities to help save the lives of those at risk.
	DFID support is channelled through the UN system—specifically the World Food Programme (WFP) for support to food aid and UNICEF for emergency health and nutrition. We have also made substantial contributions through NGOs (OXFAM, Merlin and Action Against Hunger). The support is focused on the worst affected areas based on the needs assessment report conducted jointly by Government of Kenya, the UN and the NGOs. The support given includes food aid, emergency health support, feeding programmes for malnourished children and emergency water provision.
	DFID is also working with the Government of Kenya, other donors and others to look at ways to break the cycle of dependency on relief and to find more effective ways to address the problems of those who suffer from predictable chronic hunger.

Kenya

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions he has had with his counterparts at (a) the EU and (b) the UN regarding the speed of the response to the drought crisis in Kenya.

Hilary Benn: DFID has been in regular discussions with the EU, the UN system and with bilateral donors since the start of the current drought crisis in Kenya in 2004, and has been active in promoting stronger co-ordination of the response.
	DFID has been responding to the current emergency since 2004, as has the EU (through its humanitarian response agency, ECHO), and the UN system through the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF in particular. Early warning systems supported by the Government of Kenya with inputs from the WFP and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), have been indicating the growing vulnerability of people in various districts.
	However, the situation has escalated rapidly following the poor short rains at the end of 2005. The Government of Kenya has provided a strong contribution to the overall relief efforts, and is now the biggest contributor of food aid, with a recent commitment of 60,000mt of food. DFID is urging the UN to play a stronger role in co-ordinating the emergency response, in particular in overseeing the analysis of priorities and gaps in the response effort.

Water Action Plan

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 26 January 2006, Official Report, column 2398W, on the water action plan, what percentage of budget support from his Department was spent by each African country in receipt of such support on access to safe water and sanitation in 2004–05.

Hilary Benn: We do not yet have figures for the percentage of public expenditure (including budgetary support) spent on improving access to safe water and basic sanitation for 2004–05. The process of collecting and reconciling national figures is lengthy, and the methodology for analysis is still experimental. We expect to be able to publish figures for 2004–05 by the third quarter of 2006. In the meantime, we believe that the figures in the DFID report entitled Financial Support to the Water Sector 2002–04" (copies of which are in the Library of the House and also on the DFID website: www.dfid.gov.uk) may provide a useful indicator for 2004–05, since budget allocations typically do not change sharply from year to year.

Yemen

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on Yemen's progress toward the Millennium Development Goals.

Gareth Thomas: There is very little reliable data on progress towards achieving the millennium development goals (MDGs) in Yemen. Much of the data which comes from surveys is now very old and new more reliable data is not expected until late 2006 at the earliest. The data which does exist shows that Yemen is unlikely to meet most of the MDGs. Poverty has probably doubled during the 1990s and the population has increased by about 3 per cent. a year over the same period. Child malnutrition figures are particularly worrying. Progress in reducing infant and child mortality has been much slower than required to meet the target. Access to health services is very limited in many parts of the country. Two surveys on maternal deaths conducted in 1997 and 2003 show no improvement over this period (the risk of pregnancy-related death is one in 19 women). HIV/AIDS appears to be spreading. TB remains highly prevalent although incidence is falling. In the 1990s malaria became more widespread, with epidemics in 1996 and 1998. Yemen is confronting a severe environmental crisis with rapidly depleting water reserves that will leave the capital city, Sana'a without water within a generation. Some progress has been made in increasing the proportion of the population with access to improved sanitation, but not at a rate rapid enough to meet the MDG target.
	There has been a rapid increase in enrolment in primary school, particularly enrolment of children in the designated age groups, but this has been from a very low base. If the current rate of progress is maintained, the goal of universal primary education by 2015 could be attained. The rapid expansion of primary, and to some degree secondary enrolment has particularly favoured girls, and if the rate of change continues, this goal could possibly be met by 2015. Other indicators of gender equality however, do not indicate progress.

Yemen

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) bilateral aid and (b) multilateral aid the UK has given to Yemen in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: The UK has provided the following amount of bilateral aid to Yemen in the last five financial years:
	
		
			  Bilateral aid provided to Yemen (£ million) 
		
		
			 2000–01 2.731 
			 2001–02 2.582 
			 2002–03 5.442 
			 2003–04 3.875 
			 2004–05 5.312 
		
	
	The most recent year for which DFID has multilateral aid figures is 2003. This is because information is drawn from a report compiled by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) which all multilateral donors provide information to, and there is a time lag before this is published. The UK contributes to several multilateral agencies which work in Yemen including the UN, EC and World Bank. The UK's multilateral aid contribution to Yemen between 1999 and 2003 was as follows:
	
		
			  Multilateral aid contribution (£ million) 
		
		
			 1999 4.3 
			 2000 6.2 
			 2001 12.4 
			 2002 2.3 
			 2003 11.2

Yemen

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much bilateral aid from the UK has been used for improving health care facilities and tackling diseases in Yemen in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: DFID has supported improvements to the health sector in Yemen since 2003, working with the Government of Yemen, UN agencies, and other bilateral donors. Funding has been provided to support polio eradication, and family planning and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Total spending on support to the health sector was £462,310 in 2003–04 and £210,740 in 2004–05.
	DFID is now providing £3.1 million over four years to help the Government of Yemen improve maternal and neonatal health, working with the UN and the Dutch Government. The work involves improving services for maternal and neonatal health in five governorates, and helping the Ministry of Population and Health Policy to improve its planning and policy making capacity, including in undertaking a full health sector review during 2006.
	DFID also provides funding to the Yemeni Social Fund for Development (SFD) which supports community level development, including improved health care services. DFID has provided approximately £10 million to the SFD since 2004–05. Approximately 7.5 per cent. of the fund's budget is allocated to health projects.

Yemen

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much aid the UK has given to Yemen in each of the last five years for projects to protect and promote the rights of women; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: Poverty affects women more severely than men in Yemen as they have less access to health and education, employment opportunities, and resources such as land. Yemen is ranked 126th out of 144 countries in the UNDP gender-related development index, the worst performer among the Arab states.
	All of DFID's support to Yemen prioritises the rights of girls and women, and the following projects particularly address this objective:
	£15 million between 2005 and 2010 to help increase access to basic education, particularly for girls.
	£13.9 million between 2004 and 2007 to support the Yemeni Social Fund for Development (SFD), which provides community based development, with a particular focus on improving women's lives. Programmes by the Social Fund for Development have directly served nearly five million women since 1997, slightly more than men (4.7 million). Some programmes, such as health and small and medium enterprises, involve far more women than men. As well as basic services, the SFD operates a range of programmes to fulfil the legal, social and political rights of women and girls.
	Almost £500,000 between 2003 and 2006 to support work to bring women's development needs into Yemen's Five Year Development and Poverty Reduction plan so that women and men benefit equally for the Government of Yemen's development polices.
	£3.1 million between 2005 and 2009 to help the Government of Yemen improve maternal and neonatal health and health policy making and planning.
	£900,000 to support more transparent and inclusive democratic processes including greater participation by women.
	Prior to 2003–04, DFID's bilateral programme in Yemen was focused only on strengthening economic and financial management, so there was no expenditure on promoting gender equality and empowering women. From 2003–04, the programme expanded into other areas. In 2003–04, nearly £2 million was spent on projects which had a primary or significant focus on promoting gender equality and empowering women; and in 2004–05, nearly £4 million.
	The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has been funding a number of projects in this area including work to enhance women's role in local communities and a young women's leadership programme. The spend on these totalled £26,783 in 2003–04 and £73,221 in 2004–05. The FCO is committed to spend £181,882 in 2005–06, £179,657 in 2006–07 and £80,336 in 2007–08 on this programme of interventions.

Yemen

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much bilateral aid from the UK has been spent on education and education facilities in Yemen in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: DFID has provided support to the Government of Yemen to improve basic education since 2003–04, and this is now one of DFID's main priorities in Yemen and accounts for approximately 25 per cent. of our annual spend. DFID is providing £15 million between 2005 and 2010 to help implement the Government of Yemen's Basic Education Strategy through a World Bank project co-financed with other donors. The strategy aims to increase the percentage of school age children enrolled in basic education from 64 per cent. in 2005 to 84 per cent. by 2010, with the proportion of girls increasing from 38 per cent. to 47 per cent., and to improve the quality of basic education. DFID spent approximately £90,000 bilaterally on education in 2003–04 and approximately £500,000 in 2004–05, mainly on the development of the strategy and the design of the World Bank project.

Yemen

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to improve the operation of the judiciary in Yemen; what funds have been committed to projects to achieve this; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: DFID together with other UK Government Departments is currently assessing how the UK could support judicial reform in Yemen, especially in the interests of women and the poor, who have little access to justice. The Government of Yemen is keen for international donors to support judicial reform. DFID has committed an initial £500,000 and is looking into options for longer-term programming.

Yemen

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what contribution his Department has made to the Social Fund for Development in Yemen in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: DFID contributed £1.6 million to the Social Fund for Development (SFD) in 2003–04. DFID then committed an additional £12.3 million to a subsequent phase of the project between 2004 and 2008. £1.88 million was spent in 2004–05 and £6.5 million has been spent already in this financial year. The funds to the Social Fund for Development are used for community based development throughout Yemen.

Yemen

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid and resources the UK has contributed to tackling the recent poliomyelitis outbreak in Yemen; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: The first case of polio in Yemen since 1996 occurred on 25 February 2005. As of 1 February 2006, 478 cases had been confirmed (source World Health Organisation (WHO)). The Government of Yemen completed a mass information campaign in April and eight nationwide immunisation campaigns have taken place since the outbreak last year. This strategy appears to be having results: the last new case was reported on 17 November 2005. Independent monitors now show that immunisation coverage overall is at 97.2 per cent. and the outbreak is coming under control.
	DFID provided £250,000 to a UNICEF polio vaccination campaign in 2003–04. We did not provide bilateral funding in response to the polio outbreak in February 2005 because of the need to focus our programme on relatively few areas in order to have impact, and because other donors were better positioned to assist. However, DFID provides funding multilaterally for polio eradication via the WHO-led Global Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI). DFID contributed £34 million for the PEI in 2005–06, which helped close its funding gap for 2005 and ensured that all immunisation activities could go ahead in 2005. In addition DFID announced a further £40 million for 2006 to 2008 to eradicate polio in 2006 and ensure the world stays polio free thereafter. The funds we provide for the PEI are not earmarked, allowing the PEI to allocate resources according to their assessment of priority needs. The PEI provided at £7.6 million for polio eradication activities in Yemen in 2005.

Yemen

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to tackle corruption in Yemen; what funds have been committed to projects to achieve this; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: Corruption is a serious problem in Yemen. It holds back development and particularly harms the poor. The key to tackling corruption in Yemen is securing transparent and accountable public finances. DFID is helping the Government of Yemen develop its action plan for public financial management reform. This will include ways to improve control and accountability of public finances and develop a more transparent system for procuring goods and services with public funds. DFID has committed £200,000 for the development of the plan and is considering funding its implementation together with other donors.
	DFID also provided £2.57 million between 1999 and 2005 to support the modernisation of customs services which will also help tackle corruption by providing more effective and transparent mechanisms for collecting revenue.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Parliamentary Questions

David Davies: To ask the Leader of the House 
	(1) how many ordinary written parliamentary questions tabled for answer by him in the last 12 months were answered (a) within 14 days, (b) after 14 to 28 days, (c) after 28 days to two months and (d) in excess of two months after the date of tabling; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many parliamentary questions tabled in the last 12 months for answer by him on a named day (a) were transferred and (b) received a substantive answer (i) on the day named and (ii) after the day named.

Geoff Hoon: The information is as follows:
	Procedure
	Departments should ensure that Members receive a substantive response to their named day question on the date specified, and should endeavour to answer ordinary written questions within a working week of being tabled.
	Transferring Questions
	I expect Departments to act promptly in transferring questions. It is a discourtesy to the House and to hon. Members if they are not notified of the transfer within two sitting days of it appearing in the Notice Paper. However, an oral question should be transferred within 24 hours of it appearing in the Notice Paper and not on the day for answer.
	Performance
	From 1 January 2005 to 31 January 2006, the Office of the Leader of the House of Commons has answered 88 ordinary written parliamentary questions (100 per cent.) within 14 days of being tabled.
	Over the past 12 months, no named day parliamentary questions have been transferred, and 37 (100 per cent.) received a substantive answer on the day named 1 .
	1 This figure includes oral questions not reached on the day, or unstarred.

MINISTER FOR WOMEN

Equal Pay

John Robertson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what recent discussions she has had with employers and trade unions on promoting equal pay for work of equal value.

Meg Munn: Recently I met Baroness Prosser, Chair, Women and Work Commission and have met Commissioners including employers and trades unionists. Their report, due shortly, will provide a blueprint to close the gender pay gap. I look forward to discussing this with all the key stakeholders.

Women Entrepreneurs

Ian Lucas: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what steps the Government are taking to assist women entrepreneurs.

Meg Munn: The Government have been working with providers of business support to ensure that women can access the women-friendly advice they need. Our key partners are the regional development agencies who are fully committed to incorporating women-friendly business support into mainstream provision. The Task Force on Women's Enterprise will be operational by spring 2006 and will work to increase the number of women entrepreneurs.

Women Entrepreneurs

Ben Chapman: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what recent assessment she has made of support services for women in enterprise in Merseyside.

Meg Munn: The Government have been working with partners within the business support arena to improve understanding of the support requirements of women entrepreneurs. In Merseyside our key partner the North West Development Agency has developed a clear plan to address the needs of women entrepreneurs.

Employment Equality (Age) Regulations

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what steps the Government have taken to publicise the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006.

Meg Munn: The Government's Age Partnership Group's 'Be Ready' campaign, publicises the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations. It targets employers, providing information on the draft regulations and age diversity.
	Government also fund a capacity building programme whose aims include raising individuals' and employees' awareness of the forthcoming regulations.

Domestic Violence

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what steps the Government are taking to give young people the relationship skills needed to prevent domestic violence.

Meg Munn: Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has recently developed guidance for teachers which includes units of work covering relationships and healthy friendships. This provides the scope for schools to explore domestic violence and is supported by the Department's publication Does Sex Make A Difference" which includes domestic violence lesson plans.

NORTHERN IRELAND

A6 (Derry to Dungiven)

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to upgrade the A6 Derry to Dungiven road.

Shaun Woodward: The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
	Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, dated 16 February 2006
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question about what plans there are to upgrade the A6 Derry to Dungiven Road. As this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service I have been asked to reply.
	The Secretary of State announced on 13 December 2005 that a £250 million scheme to dual the A6 between Londonderry and Dungiven was being added to Roads Service's Major Road Works Forward Planning Schedule. The 30km of dualling, including a dual carriageway bypass of Dungiven, will be the biggest single road scheme ever built in Northern Ireland.
	It is hoped that the scheme will commence on site in the latter half of the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan 2015 period, subject to the availability of finance, and the completion of the relevant statutory procedures and economic appraisals.
	Roads Service commissioned consultants in April 2005 to identify a corridor for the future dualling of the A6 between Castledawson and Londonderry. It is envisaged that this study will be completed in spring 2006 and will be taken forward through the development of the A6 Derry to Dungiven section.
	I hope this information is helpful.

Civil Service Pay

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the average percentage increase in salary for Northern Ireland civil servants in 2006.

Angela Smith: No estimate has been made of the average percentage increase in salary for Northern Ireland civil servants in 2006. The 2006 settlement date is 1 August and consideration of the 2006 pay award is at a very early stage.

Decommissioning

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions have taken place with (a) Loyalist paramilitaries and (b) Unionist political parties on the decommissioning of weapons; and if he will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: Ministers and officials meet representatives of the Progressive Unionist Party and the Ulster Political Research Group on a regular basis. Among the matters discussed is how they can help the organisations they are associated with to make the transition from conflict to peace. This includes the need for full and verifiable decommissioning.
	The IICD reports that the UDA and the LVF are in contact with it. The UVF has, however, yet to re-engage.

Departmental Assets

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the items of departmental property worth over £100 that have been reported as (a) lost and (b) broken in the last 12 months.

Peter Hain: There have been no items of departmental property worth over £100 reported as (a) lost or (b) broken in the Northern Ireland Office during the last 12 months.

Departmental Staff

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many staff in his Department are paid on a performance-related basis.

Shaun Woodward: All staff in the Northern Ireland Office are paid on a performance-related basis.
	Pay and performance management for the senior civil service is based on a framework set by the Cabinet Office. This includes a mixture of consolidated base pay awards and non-consolidated bonuses both of which are linked to individual performance and delivery.
	The NIO has delegation for pay and performance management for staff below the senior civil service. All staff with satisfactory performance receive a consolidated increase and exceptional performance is rewarded through the use of non-consolidated bonuses.

Disabled Parking Bays (Foyle)

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  how many people in Foyle constituency applied to the Roads Service for disabled parking bay outside their homes in each of the last five years; and how many such applications were (a) granted and (b) denied;
	(2)  how many applications from people resident in Foyle constituency to the Roads Service for a disabled parking bay outside their homes are awaiting assessment; and what the average time taken for processing such applications is.

Shaun Woodward: The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
	Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, dated 15 February 2006
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland two Parliamentary Questions regarding:
	(i) How many people in Foyle constituency applied to the Roads Service for disabled parking bay outside their homes in each of the last five years; and how many of such applications were (a) granted and (b) denied; and
	(ii) How many applications from people resident in Foyle constituency to the Roads Service for a disabled parking bay outside their homes are awaiting assessment; and what the average time taken for processing such applications is.
	As this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.
	The information on the number of applications dealt with in the Foyle Constituency in each of the last 5 years is as follows:
	
		
			  Inquiries Number of applications(56) Granted Denied 
		
		
			 2001 41 24 1 23 
			 2002 54 32 4 28 
			 2003 64 37 9 28 
			 2004 48 34 6 28 
			 2005 55 34 4 30 
		
	
	(56) When an inquiry is received an application form is forwarded to the applicant. Not all application forms are returned.
	Roads Service currently has six applications awaiting assessment.
	Following receipt of a completed application form, it usually takes about 3 weeks for an assessment to be completed. If the application satisfies the assessment guidelines, approval is then required from the PSNI before the legislation process can begin. Roads Service cannot mark out the bay in the ground before the legislation process is completed. Subject to there being no objections, this usually takes about 6 months.
	I hope this information is helpful.

Equality Commission

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people defined as (a) Protestant, (b) Roman Catholic and (c) non-determined have been offered support and assistance by the Equality Commission at fair employment tribunals in cases of alleged discrimination on the grounds of religion in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years.

Angela Smith: The Equality Commission has assisted the following numbers of people at Fair Employment Tribunals in their cases of alleged discrimination on the grounds of religion and/or political opinion in each of the last five years.
	
		
			  Protestant Roman Catholic Non-determined 
		
		
			 2000–01 — 1 — 
			 2001–02 2 6 — 
			 2002–03 3 2 — 
			 2003–04 1 1 — 
			 2004–05 4 5 —

Identity Cards

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer of 5 December 2005, Official Report, column 1074W, on identity cards, whether his Department has any plans to make use of the identity card scheme for the services which are its responsibilities.

Peter Hain: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 5 December 2005, Official Report, column 1074W. No decisions have yet been taken.

Official Residences

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the official residences for which his Department is responsible; who occupies each one; what the annual cost is of running each property; what contribution the occupants of each make towards running costs; what the total capital and refurbishment expenditure was on those properties in 2004–05; how much was spent in each property on (a) flowers and plants, (b) wine and entertaining, (c) food, (d) telephone bills and (e) electricity and gas in 2004–05; how many (i) domestic and (ii) maintenance staff are employed at each property, broken down by post; and what the total cost of staff employment was in 2004–05.

Peter Hain: When in Northern Ireland I reside at Hillsborough castle. The facilities at the castle are also used to provide official hospitality and overnight accommodation for members of the Royal Family, visiting dignitaries and diplomats. Other activities at the castle include departmental meetings, the Annual Garden Party and citizenship ceremonies. In addition to its use by the Northern Ireland Office and other Government Departments, charities and local community groups can request to use the facilities, generally for fund raising purposes, and the castle and grounds are open at certain times of the year for guided tours.
	The total cost of running Hillsborough castle in the 2004–05 financial year was £1,426,105.94. This includes the maintenance of the listed building and grounds; the security of the castle and its grounds, and that of Ministers, officials and visitors while present at the castle. It also includes the cost of hosting the events listed above, as well as catering, hospitality and administration.
	I am on duty while at Hillsborough castle and therefore my costs count as official expense. Records of expenditure on refurbishment are an integral part of the records that cover many other items of building maintenance and repair. It would be possible to identify only those items that relate specifically to refurbishment only at disproportionate cost.
	During the 2004–05 year £18,180.12 was spent on flowers and plants. This included plants and flowers for the 100 acre listed estate surrounding the castle and flowers for functions.
	A total £90,542.28 was spent on all catering and hospitality related items (the costs of food wine and entertaining not being separately available).
	£19,798.82 was spent on telephone systems including calls, installations and maintenance.
	£62,565.39 was spent on power, including electricity, gas, oil and other forms of fuel.
	There were 25 staff employed at Hillsborough castle during the 2004–05 year providing administrative support, household and catering services, gardening services and 24 hour security. The total cost of employing these staff was £627,841.81.
	There are currently the equivalent of 4 full-time domestic staff employed at Hillsborough castle but no maintenance staff.

Paediatric Gastroenterology Services

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what dedicated paediatric gastroenterology services are available in Northern Ireland; and where these are located.

Shaun Woodward: Children with gastroenterology problems in Northern Ireland are currently cared for by a range of staff including paediatricians, paediatric surgeons and dieticians. In recent years the service has been predominately provided by the Royal Belfast hospital for Sick Children with specialised input from visiting consultants from Great Britain. The establishment of a local dedicated service, specifically for the provision of paediatric gastroenterology, has been recognised as a priority by the Department and Commissioners; funding has been allocated for a paediatric gastroenterologist and appropriate support staff and recruitment is currently underway.

Paediatric Gastroenterology Services

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many children are on the waiting list for upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures; how many additional referrals are added to that waiting list on average per month; how many procedures are carried out on average each month; and on what date the longest-waiting patient joined the list.

Shaun Woodward: There were 108 children on the in-patient/day case waiting list for upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures at 31 December 2005.
	Over the period January 2005 to December 2005, there were approximately 13 additions to the in-patient/day case waiting list on average per month
	Please note that the age group generally considered to be children by Trusts is the 0 to 16 years age group. Exceptions to this are Craigavon Area Hospital Health and Social Services Trust (0 to 14 years) and Causeway Health and Social Services Trust (0 to 17 years).
	Over the period January 2003 to March 2005, the average number of endoscopies carried out on children aged under 16 years in Northern Ireland each month was 38. Over the same period, the average number of colonoscopies carried out on children aged under 16 years in Northern Ireland each month was 10. The procedures were carried out as either primary or secondary procedures.
	The date that the currently longest-waiting patient joined the in-patient/day case waiting list was December 2004.

Paediatric Gastroenterology Services

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects paediatric gastroenterology services in Northern Ireland will attain the service standards as set out in the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Document, Commissioning Tertiary and Specialised Service for Children and Young People.

Shaun Woodward: It is not possible to be precise about the time scale within which these standards will all be obtained. However the recruitment of a dedicated paediatric gastroenterologist at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children will be a significant step forward in improving the quality of care provided locally and in helping to achieve national standards.

Paediatric Gastroenterology Services

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many whole-time equivalent paediatric gastroenterologists are employed in the NHS in Northern Ireland; what support there is in terms of (a) nursing staff, (b) allied health professionals and (c) fully funded endoscopy theatre sessions; and what the plans are for each category for 2006–07.

Shaun Woodward: The information requested is not held centrally and will take some time to collate. I will write to the hon. Gentleman with the information as soon as it is available and place a copy in the Library.

Paediatric Gastroenterology Services

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many children under the age of 16 years have had (a) gastro-intestinal endoscopy and (b) colonoscopy procedures carried out by non-paediatric consultants since 1 January 2003.

Shaun Woodward: Information on the number of procedures carried out on children under the age of 16 years in Northern Ireland, from 1 January 2003 until 31 March 2005, is available from the Hospital Inpatient System and is provided in the table. Details of individual consultants undertaking the procedures are not collected.
	
		
			 Procedure Total 
		
		
			 Endoscopy 1,023 
			 Colonoscopy 274 
		
	
	Source:
	Hospital Inpatient System
	Any individual could have more than one operation or procedure undertaken during their stay in hospital and could also be admitted more than once over the course of a year or years. It should be noted that more than one consultant could be responsible for undertaking gastro-intestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures at any one of these hospitals.

Paediatric Gastroenterology Services

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether all children under the age of 16 years who have been referred for (a) upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy and (b) colonoscopy procedures will have their procedures performed by paediatric consultants.

Shaun Woodward: The majority of children under the age of 16 who have been referred for upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy or colonoscopy procedures will have them carried out by either a consultant paediatrician or a consultant paediatric surgeon. For children at the upper end of the age limit it is entirely appropriate for their treatment to be carried out by consultant gastroenterologists or consultant surgeons.

Parliamentary Questions

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many parliamentary questions tabled in the last 12 months for answer by him on a named day (a) were transferred and (b) received a substantive answer (i) on the day named and (ii) after the day named.

Peter Hain: From 1 January 2005 to 21 December 2005 the Northern Ireland Office received 526 parliamentary questions tabled for answer on a named day. The information requested is contained in the following table.
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Answered on day named 270 
			 Answered after day named 242 
			 Transfers 14

Parliamentary Questions

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many ordinary written parliamentary questions tabled for answer by him in the last 12 months have been answered (a) within 14 days, (b) between 14 and 28 days, (c) between 28 days and two months and (d) in excess of two months after the date of tabling; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: From 1 January 2005 to 21 December 2005 the Northern Ireland Office received 3,684 parliamentary questions from Members of the House of Commons. Written answers were provided within the following time scales.
	
		Parliamentary questions
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Within 14 days 2,835 
			 After between 14 and 28 days 355 
			 After between 28 days and two months 66 
			 After in excess of 2 months 324 
			 Transfers 89 
			 Withdrawals 15 
		
	
	Of the 324 questions that were answered 'After in excess of 2 months' 130 were tabled in July prior to the summer recess. It was therefore not possible to provide the hon. Member with an answer until the House returned in October.
	Departments aim to ensure that Members receive a substantive response to their named day question on the named day and to endeavour to answer ordinary written questions within a working week of being tabled. Unfortunately, this is not always possible but my Department makes every effort to achieve these time scales.

Poverty

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many children living in the province are estimated to be living in poverty, broken down by (a) Northern Ireland local government district and (b) parliamentary constituency.

Angela Smith: The following tables show the numbers and percentages of children in Northern Ireland living in relative income poverty before housing costs and after housing costs across (a) local government districts (table 1) and (b) parliamentary constituencies (table 2). Due to small sample sizes in individual years, it was necessary to combine data for the years 2002–03 and 2003–04 to enable analysis. The figures presented in the tables are the most up to date currently held by Northern Ireland Government.
	
		Table 1: Number and percentage of children in relative poverty by local government district for 2002–03 and 2003–04 combined
		
			  Relative poverty before housing costs Relative poverty after housing costs 
			 Local government district Number Percentage Number Percentage 
		
		
			 Ards 1,700 13 1,900 15 
			 Armagh 1,300 9 2,000 14 
			 Ballymena 4,400 23 4,800 25 
			 Banbridge 2,400 17 2,400 17 
			 Belfast 14,700 26 15,200 27 
			 Castlereagh 2,100 14 3,500 23 
			 Coleraine 6,500 37 6,300 36 
			 Craigavon 7,100 24 7,100 24 
			 Derry 9,200 32 9,100 32 
			 Downpatrick 2,500 12 3,900 19 
			 Dungannon 3,100 20 4,900 32 
			 Fermanagh 4,300 23 5,200 28 
			 Lisburn 3,400 15 4,100 18 
			 Newry and Mourne 4,700 25 4,900 26 
			 Newtownabbey 1,900 7 4,700 18 
			 North Down 2,900 14 4,200 21 
			 Cookstown and Magherafelt(57) 5,200 38 6,600 48 
			 Larne and Moyle(57) 3,300 35 3,100 33 
			 Omagh and Strabane(57) 6,600 30 8,400 38 
			 Other(58) 7,400 18 7,800 19 
			 All 95,00 22 110,500 25 
		
	
	(57) Local government districts combined due to sample size requirements.
	(58) Remaining local government districts (of Antrim, Ballymoney, Carrickfergus, and Limavady) combined due to small sample sizes.
	Source:
	Households Below Average Income 2002–03 and 2003–04 Department for Social Development.
	
		Table 2: Number and percentage of children in relative poverty by parliamentary constituency for 2002–03 and 2003–04 combined
		
			  Relative poverty before housing costs Relative poverty after housing costs 
			 Parliamentary constituency Number Constituency Number Constituency 
		
		
			 Belfast East 3,500 23 4,200 29 
			 Belfast North 5,300 29 5,200 28 
			 Belfast South 2,100 17 2,900 24 
			 Belfast West 5,900 24 6,900 28 
			 East Antrim 2,900 16 3,700 20 
			 East Londonderry 8,000 30 7,600 29 
			 Fermanagh and South Tyrone 7,100 22 9,500 30 
			 Foyle 9,200 32 9,200 32 
			 Lagan Valley 2,900 13 3,300 15 
			 Mid Ulster 5,600 34 7,300 44 
			 Newry and Armagh 4,500 20 5,600 25 
			 North Antrim 8,000 24 8,500 25 
			 North Down 2,800 13 4,200 20 
			 South Antrim 4,800 14 6,500 20 
			 South Down 5,600 17 7,000 22 
			 Strangford 2,400 12 2,600 13 
			 Upper Bann 8,000 21 7,900 21 
			 West Tyrone 6,600 30 8,500 38 
			 All 95,000 22 110,500 25 
		
	
	Source:
	Households Below Average Income 2002–03 and 2003–04 Department for Social Development.
	Notes to tables:
	1. Numbers are rounded to the nearest hundred and percentages to the nearest whole number.
	2. As with any sample survey the numbers and percentages quoted in the table above are subject to sampling error.
	3. Data was sourced from Households Below Average Income Northern Ireland (HBAI NI). The HBAI NI is based on information collected from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). The FRS was first run in NI in 2002–03.
	4. The HBAI is the main source of income poverty measures throughout the UK and is used to monitor the United Kingdom's child poverty targets.
	5. Relative income poverty is defined as households who have an income less than 60 per cent. of the contemporary median income.
	6. Income before housing costs (BHC) includes the following main components: usual net earnings from employment; profit or loss from self-employment (losses are treated as a negative income); all Social security benefits (including housing benefit, social fund, maternity, funeral and community care grants but excluding social fund loans) and tax credits; income from occupational and private pensions; investment income; maintenance payments, if a person receives them directly; income from educational grants and scholarships (including, for students, top up loans and parental contributions); the cash value of certain forms of income in kind (free school meals, free welfare milk, free school milk and free TV licence for those aged 75 and over).
	7. Income is net of the following items: income tax payments; national insurance contributions; domestic rates (this includes water and sewerage charges for Northern Ireland); contributions to occupational pension schemes (including all additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) to occupational pension schemes, and any contributions to personal pensions); all maintenance and child support payments, which are deducted from the income of the person making the payment and parental contributions to students living away from home.
	8. Income After Housing Costs (AHC) is derived by deducting a measure of housing costs from BHC income measure. Housing costs include the following: rent (gross of housing benefit); domestic rates; mortgage interest payments (net of tax relief); structural insurance premiums (for owner occupiers); ground rent and service charges.

Renewable Energy

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much public funding was spent during 2005 in Northern Ireland on research into renewable energy provided by wave power.

Angela Smith: In 2005 £149,697 of public funding was spent in Northern Ireland on research into wave power.

Sperrin Lakeland Trust

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the costs were to the Sperrin Lakeland Trust associated with the appointment of (a) an interim chief executive and (b) an interim director of nursing in 2004–05.

Shaun Woodward: Sperrin Lakeland Trust appointed an interim Chief Executive and an interim Director of Nursing for the period June to September 2005.
	The gross costs associated with the appointment of the Chief Executive post were £47,000 and with the Director of Nursing post were £20,000.

PRIME MINISTER

Departmental Information

Roger Gale: To ask the Prime Minister how much was spent on his Office's public relations and information services in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Tony Blair: For these purposes my office forms part of the Cabinet Office. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office (Mr. Murphy) today.

Mittal Steel

Adam Price: To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has made on behalf of Mittal Steel or its predecessor companies since 2001.

Tony Blair: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr. Duncan Smith) on 13 February 2002, Official Report, columns 198–99.

SCOTLAND

Departmental Staff

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any (a) employee of his Department, (b) person engaged by his Department as a consultant and (c) paid advisor to his Department is a member of the House of Lords; and if he will make a statement.

David Cairns: None are members of the House of Lords.

Departmental Websites

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what websites come under his Department's responsibility; and what the (a) cost and (b) number of visitors to those sites was in the last year for which figures were available.

David Cairns: For the period 1 January-31 December 2005, there were two websites for which the Scotland Office was responsible.
	
		
			 Website Overall costs (£) Number of unique visitors 
		
		
			 www.scotlandoffice.gov.uk 4,640 40,359 
			 www.arbuthnottcommission.gov.uk 176 3,567 
		
	
	The overall costs are based on the fees for hosting the site, and if appropriate include any additional fees eg updates, design revisions.

Early Retirement

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many departmental employees have taken early retirement due to ill-health in each of the past five years for which figures are available.

David Cairns: None.

Identity Cards

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive regarding identity cards.

David Cairns: My right hon. Friend and I meet regularly with Scottish Executive Ministers to discuss a range of issues.

Jewish Festivals

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what his office did to (a) celebrate Hanukkah and (b) mark Yom Kippur in 2005.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office did not host or organise any specific events to mark Hanukkah or Yom Kippur. However, management in the office gives sympathetic consideration to requests for time off to mark religious festivals.

Pension Liabilities

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the net present value of accrued pension liabilities in respect of (a) present and (b) former employees of his Department and its predecessor.

David Cairns: The principal civil service pension scheme is an unfunded multi-employer defined benefit scheme and individual departments' pension liabilities are not available. The Cabinet Office: civil superannuation resource accounts for 2004–05 showed that the total pension liability at 31 March 2005 was £84.1 billion. The value of pension liabilities was assessed as follows:
	Liabilities for current members still contributing to the scheme—£37 billion
	deferred pensions and contingent pensions for dependants in respect of members no longer contributing—£12.7 billion
	current pensions for members and contingent pensions for dependants—£34.4 billion
	As a result of a change in the discount rate used for calculating pension liabilities with effect from 1 April 2005, the total pension liability at 1 April 2005 increased by £10.6 billion to £94.7 billion.

Statutory Instruments

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the statutory instruments introduced by his Department since 6 May 2005.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office has introduced 12 statutory instruments since 6 May 2005. They are:
	1. SI 2005/1467—The Scottish Administration (Offices) Order 2005
	2. SI 2005/866—The Scotland Act 1998 (Modifications of Schedule 5)(No.2) Order 2005
	3. SI 2005/1790—The Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 (Consequential Modifications) (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) Order 2005
	4. SI 2005/1791—The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2005
	5. SI 2005/2060—The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2005
	6. SI 2005/2077—The Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2005
	7. SI 2005/2078—The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2005
	8. SI 2005/3172—The Water Services etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2005
	9. SI 2006/241—The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2006
	10. SI 2006/242—The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2006
	11. SI 2006/304—The Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 2006
	12. The draft Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2006
	The last instrument was laid on 6 February and is awaiting approval by each House.

Vandalism

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the acts of vandalism which have been perpetrated (a) inside and (b) on the outside of his Department's buildings in the last 12 months.

David Cairns: There has been no reported acts of vandalism, either inside or outside, to any Scotland Office building in the last 12 months.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Complaints

David Amess: To ask the Solicitor-General pursuant to his reply of 2 February 2006, Official Report, column 699W, on complaints, how many copies of the complaints leaflet were sent to members of the public in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and how many copies of the complaints leaflet were requested (a) by telephone, (b) by post and (c) using his Department's website in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Mike O'Brien: The figures requested are not available as they are not recorded centrally and can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
	If a member of the public wants a complaints leaflet, it can be obtained by telephoning or emailing the CPS communications branch or by contacting any of the CPS areas. The leaflet can also be downloaded from the CPS internet and is available in both Welsh and in large print format.

CPS (Staff Bonuses)

David Amess: To ask the Solicitor-General what criteria are used to determine whether staff employed by the Crown Prosecution Service receive a bonus; and if he will make a statement.

Mike O'Brien: The criteria used for staff in the senior civil service (SCS) to receive a bonus are set by the Cabinet Office.
	Staff below the SCS level do not receive a bonus unless it is paid via the special bonus scheme.
	The special bonus scheme aims to reward exceptional individual or team performance. This may be particularly appropriate where an individual's efforts have made a valuable contribution that falls outside his/her normal areas or scope areas of work.

Departmental Information

Roger Gale: To ask the Solicitor-General how much was spent on the Department's public relations and information services in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Mike O'Brien: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) expenditure on information services is shown in the following table. It covers expenditure on the provision of information booklets for the public, CPS area annual reports, the code for Crown Prosecutors and translations of information into Welsh and other languages. CPS has not engaged external public relations services, having in-house communications staff.
	
		
			 Financial year Crown Prosecution Service (£) 
		
		
			 2000–01 120,532 
			 2001–02 86,706 
			 2002–03 99,144 
			 2003–04 126,672 
			 2004–05 121,288 
		
	
	The Serious Fraud Office, Treasury Solicitor's Department, HMCPS Inspectorate and the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers have not incurred expenditure and, where appropriate, their communications staff arc also in-house. Expenditure details are not separately available for communications staff and it would be difficult to identify them. For example most of the time the Attorney General's media relations are handled by his Private Secretary.
	Law Officers' Departments include the Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office but this office was not set up until 18 April 2005.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Poland

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps his Department takes to encourage UK trade with Poland; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: UK companies looking to trade with Poland are able to take advantage of the whole range of trade services offered by UK Trade and Investment. It supported 219 UK companies at 29 trade events in Poland in 2005. The UKTI regional network is also assisting 300 new exporters who have expressed an interest in exporting to Poland.

Pressure Selling

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on Government measures to increase consumer protection against pressure selling.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Unfair Commercial Practices Directive prohibits aggressive commercial practices including high-pressure selling techniques that involve lengthy or persistent visits. Legislation implementing this directive will come into force in December 2007. I am currently consulting on implementation options, and am confident that this will help considerably in tackling high-pressure selling practices.

Energy Review

Stephen Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on energy policy.

Malcolm Wicks: The Government launched the Energy Review last November. As part of the Energy Review, in January the Government published a consultation document Our Energy Challenge: securing clean, affordable energy for the long term". The consultation has a broad scope and considers all aspects of the energy system including energy supply and demand. The Review is looking at what further measures might be needed to tackle climate change, and to ensure secure and affordable energy supplies in the UK beyond 2010.

Energy Review

Edward Vaizey: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the Energy Review.

Malcolm Wicks: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Stephen Hammond) today.

UK Trade

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his Department's policy of increasing UK trade outside the single market.

Ian Pearson: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) is actively involved in helping UK companies maximise the opportunities for business worldwide in markets such as China and India. For example, through the Asia Task Force UKTI is working to identify barriers to trade, and proposing Government initiatives to overcome them. And of course the USA remains the UK's most important market. UKTI has completely overhauled its delivery structure there so as to further enhance service delivery to UK business.

Post Offices

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post office branches have closed since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: To date, this Government have committed some £2.35 billion of investment in the post office network. This includes £480 million for the Horizon IT project to automate the network, £450 million to support the rural network for the three years 2003–06 and, subject to state aid clearance, £300 million to support the rural network for the 2 years 2006–08, £726 million to repay historic debt and £210 million to fund the urban reinvention programme. Under Post Office Ltd.'s urban reinvention programme, 2,475 sub post offices closed on a wholly voluntary basis thereby strengthening the viability of the remaining urban network while ensuring that at the end of the programme over 99 per cent. of the urban population nationally still lives within one mile of their nearest post office. Outside of the urban reinvention programme, 2,248 post offices closed between April 1997 and December 2005.

Post Offices

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the rural post office network in the West Midlands.

Barry Gardiner: Government remain committed to ensuring that those living in rural communities have reasonable access to the services they need. Rural communities in the West Midlands are benefiting from our unprecedented nationwide programme of investment in the post office network, which includes £450 million over the period 2003–06 as a transitional measure to help maintain the rural network. A two-year extension of the annual support of £150 million, subject to state aid clearance, was announced in September 2004.

Work and Families Bill

Martin Linton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact on business of the extension of family friendly policies contained in the Work and Families Bill.

Meg Munn: A full assessment of the impact on business of the extension of family friendly policies contained in the Work and Families Bill was made in the final regulatory impact assessment produced by the DTI in October 2005. The RIA is available from the DTI website and the Libraries of the House.

Sunset Regulation

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the use of sunset regulation in legislation sponsored by his Department.

Alan Johnson: DTI policy makers are advised to consider, at an early stage of policy development, whether it is appropriate to include sunset clauses in legislation. Where a sunset clause is not considered to be appropriate, policy makers are expected to consider an alternative mechanism such as a post implementation review of the legislation.

Belvedere Waste Incinerator

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to make a decision on the proposed Belvedere waste to energy incinerator.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 14 February 2006
	A decision will be made as soon as possible.

Companies (Public Interest)

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will seek to introduce legislation under which every company would be required to serve the public interest.

Alun Michael: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 13 February 2006, Official Report, column 1635W.

Data Sharing

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to facilitate data sharing between lenders and credit card operators relating to older accounts to improve lending decisions.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Government have been in discussion with industry about the case for the legislative change that would be necessary to enable the industry to share data between lenders and credit card operators relating to older accounts, without first seeking the consumers consent. However the benefits gained from sharing this data, in terms of improved lending decisions, has to be balanced against an individual's right to privacy. We intend to consult on this issue in the spring.

Defence Contracts

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the value of defence contracts to British manufacturing in each year between 1997 and 2005.

Alun Michael: DTI does not collate data on the value of defence contracts to British manufacturing. Through the Defence Analytical Services Agency, The Ministry of Defence publishes estimates on the direct value to UK industry of defence expenditure by year and by industrial sector. The latest date of estimates published is 2002–03 and is available from MOD's website at www.dasa.mod.uk/natstats/ukds/2004/ukds.html.

Departmental Consultants

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much was spent on external consultants and advisers by (a) his Department, (b) each (i) non-departmental public body and (ii) Executive Agency for which his Department is responsible and (c) each independent statutory body, organisation and body financially sponsored by his Department in each of the last five years.

Alan Johnson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Angus on 13 February 2006, Official Report, column 1638W.

Departmental Expenditure

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the expenditure on (a) buildings and (b) insurance of buildings and staff was of (i) his Department and (ii) each (A) non-departmental public body, (B) executive agency and (C) other public body for which his Department is responsible in (1) Scotland, (2) Wales, (3) each of the English regions and (4) Northern Ireland in each of the last three financial years; and what the planned expenditure is for 2005–06 in each case.

Alan Johnson: Expenditure on rent, rates and building insurance during the last three years on the DTI HQ estate where the DTI has lead responsibility in Government for the building is shown in the following tables (£ million ex VAT). The DTI HQ estate does not contain any buildings in Wales and Northern Ireland where it has lead responsibility for the payment of rent, rates and building insurance.
	
		Rent
		
			 Area 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 
		
		
			 London 27.3 28.3 29.9 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside 0.15 0.15 0.15 
			 NE Region 0.06 0.06 0.06 
			 SW Region   0.38 
			 E Midlands   0.03 
			 Scotland 1.09 1.09 1.09 
		
	
	
		Rates
		
			 Area 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 
		
		
			 London 8.6 9.5 8.2 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside 0.06 0.06 0.06 
			 NE Region 0.02 0.02 0.02 
			 SW Region — — 0.01 
			 E Midlands — — 0.004 
			 Scotland 0.25 0.30 0.27 
		
	
	
		Insurance
		
			 Area 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 
		
		
			 London 0.21 0.23 0.25 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside — — — 
			 NE Region — — — 
			 SW Region — — — 
			 E Midlands — — — 
			 Scotland 0.015 0.016 0.018 
		
	
	Similar information on non departmental public bodies and other public bodies is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Letter from Dr. Jeff Llewellyn, dated 15 February 2006
	The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has asked me to reply on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML) to your question on what the expenditure on (a) buildings and (b) Insurance of buildings and staff was of (i) his Department and (II) each (A) non-departmental public body, (B) Executive Agency and (C) other public body for which his Department is responsible in each of the last three financial years; and what the planned expenditure is for 2005–06 in each case.
	NWML occupies a Department of Trade & Industry building at Teddington, Middlesex. The total expenditure on buildings for the period 2002–2008 is as follows:
	
		£000
		
			  Facilities management Rent Rates 
		
		
			 2002–03 72 341 60 
			 2003–04 94 247 61 
			 2004–05 110 223 63 
			 2005–06(59) 95 200 74 
		
	
	(59) Forecast.
	There has been no expenditure on insurance of buildings and staff in the period 2002–2006.
	Letter from Jeanne Spinks, dated 15 February 2006
	You asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what the expenditure on (a) buildings and (b) insurance of buildings and staff was of (i) his Department and (ii) each (A) non-departmental public body, (B) executive agency and (C) other public body for which his Department is responsible in (1) Scotland, (2) Wales, (3) each of the English regions and (4) Northern Ireland in each of the last three financial years; and what the planned expenditure is for 2005–06 in each case.
	The table below shows the breakdown of expenditure on buildings and insurance of buildings and staff of the Employment Tribunals Service (ETS). Please note that ETS is only able to provide the total for 2002/03. We are unable to breakdown the expenditure per English region as we do not record information on a regional basis; however we are able to provide the total expenditure for England.
	
		
			 Financial year Expenditure Scotland Wales England Total 
		
		
			 2002–03 Building expenditure — — — 6,103,200 
			  Insurance — — — — 
			   
			 2003–04 Building expenditure 1,637,595 240,867 4,176,538 6,055,000 
			  Insurance 4,131 — 1,018,69 1,060,00 
			   
			 2004–05 Building expenditure 64,6335 230,433 5,678,232 6,555,000 
			  Insurance 11,838 — 127,162 139,000 
			   
			 2005–06 Building expenditure 736,121 244,192 8,313,016 9,293,329 
			  Insurance 12,423 — 137,515 149,938 
		
	
	We are unable to supply information for Northern Ireland.
	Letter from Claire Clancy, dated 15 February 2006
	I am responding to your recently tabled Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on behalf of Companies House, which is an Executive Agency of the DTI.
	Expenditure on our buildings in Wales in the last three financial years and the amount planned for 2005/6 is as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 2002–03 1.5 
			 2003–04 1.9 
			 2004–05 2.8 
			 2005–06 1.9 
		
	
	There has been no expenditure on buildings in Scotland, England or Northern Ireland.
	There has been no expenditure on insurance of buildings and staff due to Crown indemnity.
	Letter from Ron Marchant, dated 15 February 2006
	I am responding to this parliamentary question, tabled on 20 December 2005. The Patent Office expenditure on buildings and insurance in each of the last three financial years and planned expenditure in 2005–06 is as follows:
	
		£
		
			  2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 
		
		
			 Rent 712,648 716,455 659,449 614,156 
			 Rates 596,201 667,752 674,354 738,784 
			 Insurance 15,060 12,516 13,905 15,000 
			  1,323,910 1,396,723 1,347,707 1,367,940 
		
	
	Letter from Desmond Flynn, dated 15 February 2006
	The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has asked me to reply to you directly on behalf of the Insolvency Service in respect of you question (2005/2568) requesting information on money spent on buildings over the last three years and also the planned expenditure for 2005–06. Insurance costs are included in some buildings' service charges but they are not separately identifiable, there is no provision for the insurance of staff.
	The Insolvency Service Executive Agency of the Department of Trade and Industry spent the following amounts on accommodation:
	
		Planned -- £
		
			 Region 2005–06 2004–05 2003–04 2002–03 
		
		
			 East Midlands 438,478.51 433,908.15 359,543.02 376,303.30 
			 Eastern 1,097,189.33 1,042,339.70 1,050,641.58 874,196.42 
			 London 4,291,245.88 4,027,242.19 3,993,256.85 5,318,156.54 
			 North East 850,624.23 603,811.50 792,740.97 885,594.76 
			 North West 838,403.42 814,829.39 652,822.94 545,107.61 
			 Scotland 196,254.31 184,074.49 150,823.25 52,011.51 
			 South East 884,183.02 753,192.42 792,518.76 971,880.74 
			 South West 940,627.79 996,563.21 831,692.69 900,675.25 
			 Wales 201,607.40 165,193.62 145,371.91 141,059.69 
			 West Midlands 3,148.578.50 2.863.158.13 2.342.621.14 1.897.368.49 
			 Total 12,887,192.40 11,884,312.80 11,112,033.11 11,962,354.32

Departmental Staff

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many staff in his Department are paid on a performance-related basis.

Alan Johnson: All DTI staff are paid on a performance related basis. Those employed as consultants or as agency staff may or may not be paid on a performance related basis, dependent on their individual contractual arrangements. As at 1 February 2006 there were 3,177.5 full time equivalent members of staff in DTI, excluding contractors and agency staff.

Directors (Voting Rights)

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will seek to introduce legislation under which directors of large companies as defined in the Companies Act 1985 would not be able to cast any vote on any annual general meeting resolution relating to their remuneration.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Government have no plans to do so. Directors' remuneration is a matter for companies and their shareholders.
	The Directors' Remuneration Report Regulations 2002 have improved transparency, accountability and the quality of shareholder engagement.
	The Government look to boards and shareholders to exercise their responsibilities in this area fully and constructively both at the annual general meeting and at other times.

Education and Enterprise Campus (Burnley)

Kitty Ussher: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his plans for an education and enterprise campus in Burnley; what work has been done by the North West Regional Development Agency in relation to the project; and if he will make a statement.

Alun Michael: The Department of Trade and Industry has no plans for an education and enterprise campus in Burnley. However, over the past few months, the North West Regional Development Agency has met partners in Burnley to discuss the concept in the context of the revised Regional Economic Strategy. Proposals are at the earliest stage of development and are based on a relocation of Burnley College from its existing site to a new town centre site that will provide a new FE/HE campus and Enterprise Park.

Energy Costs

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much was spent by his Department on (a) gas and (b) electricity in 2004–05.

Alan Johnson: The Departmental expenditure in the year 2004 to 2005 on the Headquarters estate was:
	Period: 2004–05
	Gas: £120,000
	Electricity: £1,050,000

Iron and Steel Employees Re-adaptation Benefits Scheme

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the implementation of the Iron and Steel Employees Re-adaptation Benefits Scheme.

Alun Michael: The Iron and Steel Employees Re-adaptation Benefit Scheme (ISERBS) announced in May 2001 was part of a package of measures implemented to alleviate the impact of large-scale redundancies in the steel industry. The scheme was derived from the European Coal and Steel Community Treaty which made specific provision for social aid to workers affected by restructuring in the steel industry. ISERBS provided a single lump sum payment of £2,480 to workers who lost their jobs in the period 1 January 2000 to 23 July 2002 (when the ECSC Treaty terminated) or as a result of a restructuring announcement made in that period. 13,156 individuals have benefited from the scheme.

New Technology (Investment)

Maria Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures are in place to support small business investment in new technology; and if he will make a statement.

Alun Michael: The Grant for Research and Development was introduced in England on 1 June 2003, replacing the earlier Smart scheme. It provides grants to help individuals and small and medium-sized businesses research and develop new, technologically innovative products and processes and is delivered, by the Regional Development Agencies on behalf of the DTI. In 2004–05 grants worth just over £30 million were offered to 357 new projects.
	The Government have also introduced R&D tax credits to help companies of all sizes carry out research and development (R&D) projects. R&D tax credits are part of the range of government support made available for innovative UK companies embarking on R&D. The tax credits are expected to provide support for companies worth around £600 million a year.
	In addition, Enhanced capital allowances were first introduced in 2001 and now allow businesses of any size to claim 100 per cent. first year allowances on capital expenditure on a range of energy saving technologies, allowing them to write off the whole of the capital cost of these investments. The first year allowances allow small and medium sized firms to claim 40 per cent. on all types of expenditure on plant and machinery in the period the expenditure is incurred, to accelerate the normal rate of relief. PBR 2005 announced introduction of increase to 50 per cent. for one year for small companies.

Newspapers/Magazines (Distribution)

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects the final opinion from the Office of Fair Trading on newspaper and magazine distribution.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I understand that OFT intend to outline the next steps in this case in the near future.

Non-executive Directors

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation under which company employees would be able to vote on the election of all non-executive directors.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Government have no plans to do so. The election of company directors is a matter for shareholders.
	It is a main principle of the Financial Reporting Council's Combined Code on Corporate Governance that there should be a formal, rigorous and transparent procedure for the appointment of new directors to the board.
	It is also a provision of the Combined Code that non-executive directors should be appointed for specified terms subject to re-election and to Companies Acts provisions relating to the removal of a director.

Non-fossil fuel obligation

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what (a) the proceeds of the non-fossil fuel obligation and (b) the expenditure on supporting renewables were in each year since 1999.

Malcolm Wicks: When the Renewables Obligation (RO) was introduced in 2002 projects under the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO), the previous support mechanism, were included to ensure that from the outset there was liquidity in the ROC market. An indirect consequence of including in the RO those sites that received funding through the NFFO is that the income received from suppliers for the electricity exceeds payments made to generators. The surplus is paid to the levy fund on a monthly basis.
	The size of the fund administered by Ofgem, resulting from surplus revenue collected by the Non Fossil Fuel Purchasing Agency (NFPA), in each year since 2001 is as follows:
	
		
			 Year ending March £ million 
		
		
			 2001 63.8 
			 2002 28.6 
			 2003 87.1 
			 2004 146.5 
			 2005 169.1 
		
	
	With regard to expenditure on supporting renewables in each year since 1999 I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Leominster (Bill Wiggin) on 12 September 2005, Official Report, column 2262W.

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has received from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) on (a) the matters discussed and (b) decisions taken in the NDA MOX Commission.

Malcolm Wicks: None. The MOX Commission was a group chaired by BNFL which they stood down upon the formation of the NDA in April 2005.

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has received from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) on its plans for publishing the full Life-Cycle Baselines for NDA-owned sites.

Malcolm Wicks: The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority expects to publish the Life Cycle Baseline 2005–06 in respect of its sites by end March subject to the completion of internal review and the approval of its Board.

Nuclear Power Plants

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the cost to public funds was of building the (a) Trawsfynydd and (b) Wylfa nuclear power plants; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: The Trawsfynydd and Wylfa Magnox nuclear power stations were originally built and owned by the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB). Magnox Electric Limited now operates the plant under contract to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The cost of building the power stations was at the time funded by the electricity market and there should, therefore, have been no cost to public funds in respect of the building of Trawsfynydd and Wylfa.

Operating and Financial Review

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to meet businesses that supported the proposals in the operating and financial review.

Alun Michael: We are currently consulting on possible amendments to narrative reporting requirements in the Company Law Reform Bill. The deadline for responses is 24 March 2006. The department would be happy to receive views from any interested parties and to consider any request for a meeting.

Power Generation Technologies

Alan Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what funding his Department has allocated to clean coal technologies in each year since 1997.

Malcolm Wicks: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Leominster on 12 September 2005, Official Report, column 2262W.

Research and Development Grants

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what training is provided for assessment of applications for research and development grants; and what methods are used to assess their knowledge of business, commerce and technical innovation.

Barry Gardiner: The Technology Programme, managed by DTI, offers grant support for Collaborative Research and Development projects undertaken by Industry and the Science Base in prescribed high technology areas. Prior to undertaking any assessment, the status, technical qualifications, and business experience of Assessors is obtained and used to associate them to the applications that they may subsequently be asked to assess. In addition, prior to any Assessor being offered an assessment, unless they have had previous recognised experience in assessing applications to similar programme, all Assessors are required to attend a one-day briefing session that addresses all aspects of the process programme and an explanation of the criteria used for assessment. All the Assessors are recognised domain specialists and drawn from business, academia and/or from government research establishments and they are required to abide to strict confidentiality and non-conflict of interest agreements.
	Grant for Research and Development, which helps individuals and small and medium sized businesses with the costs of researching and developing new, technologically innovative products and processes, has been delivered by the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) since 1 April 2005. On transferring the scheme, DTI undertook a programme of training and provided RDAs with extensive guidance on the framework within which applications should be appraised.
	In appraising the technical and commercial aspects of applications RDAs take advice, in confidence, from qualified accountants, the Patent Office and internationally-renowned external organisations that are well qualified to judge the merits of a proposals. As an additional safeguard, RDAs will normally seek advice from two different external organisations when appraising an application.

Research and Development Grants

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of funds allocated for research and development grants for each regional development agency for 2005–06 had been offered to project applicants by 31 January 2006; and what proportion of the funds allocated were offered in 2004–05.

Alun Michael: I have asked each regional development agency to provide me with the relevant information about the region's activities. I will write to the hon. Member when I have the necessary information and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

Sellafield

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what quantities of plutonium scrap have been produced from the present manufacturing regime for MOX nuclear fuel pellets at the MOX plant at Sellafield.

Malcolm Wicks: Material rejected from the Sellafield MOX Plant comes from two sources: pellets that are either out of specification or rejected from inspection, and residues that arise principally from grinder dust.
	Material that is out of specification or rejected can be recycled and reintroduced into the production process. Due to chemical contamination, residues cannot be reintroduced into the production process. The main residue is grinder dust and typically accounts for up to 2.5 per cent. of throughput.

Student bankruptcies

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many students have been declared bankrupt in each of the last five years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: It is not possible from the information currently held centrally by the Insolvency Service to quantify how many students have been declared bankrupt.

US Government/Department of Defense Contracts

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many manufacturing companies in the UK have had contracts with (a) the US government and (b) the US Department of Defense in the last five years; and what the total value has been of such contracts in each case.

Alun Michael: DTI does not collate information in a way that shows how many manufacturing companies in the UK have had contracts with the US Government or the US Department of Defense but it is a significant figure.

WarnTone System

Phyllis Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to the answer of 13 October 2005, Official Report, column 561W, on WarnTone system, when he expects Ofcom to respond to the request for a test licence for the WarnTone system.

Alun Michael: The Chief Executive responded to my hon. Friend on 13 February. A copy of the letter has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Wind Farms

David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will announce his decision on the application by NPower renewables for consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for the development of the Gwynt y Mor wind farm.

Malcolm Wicks: I cannot give a firm indication of when I will be in a position to reach a decision on the Gwynt Y Mor consent application. The application requires careful consideration and is currently being processed.

TRANSPORT

Aviation Policy

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps have been taken towards producing an evaluation strategy to assess the effectiveness of the Government's aviation policy; what the proposed timetable is for the production of this strategy; and what processes will be used to formulate it.

Karen Buck: I refer to my reply to the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green on 19 January 2006, Official Report, column 1471W. The Government are committed to the monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness and impact of the policies of the Air Transport White Paper. We will report by the end of 2006 on progress.

Aviation Policy

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the 2006 Aviation White Paper Progress Review will be published; whether it will include revised passenger forecasts to take account of the increased cost of oil; whether his Department will seek the views of (a) other Government departments and (b) external stakeholders on progress made; and whether it will include an assessment of the role reductions in aviation emissions will play in the target to cut overall emissions by 60 per cent. by 2050.

Karen Buck: The Department for Transport (DfT) expects to publish a Progress Report on the policies and proposals set out in the Air Transport White Paper (ATWP), by the end of 2006. Paragraph 12.29 of the Air Transport White Paper says that we will continue to regularly publish data on air travel and to update traffic forecasts in the light of trends. Movement in oil price is one of several explanatory factors in air transport forecasts.
	The DfT is currently seeking the views of other Government departments. It also engages with external stakeholders on progress made, in a range of fora including the ATWP External Advisory Group.
	The support paper to the Air Transport White paper, Aviation and Global Warming, includes forecasts of aviation emissions relative to other emissions. These forecasts are kept under review. However, the Energy White Paper 60 per cent. reduction target focuses on domestic emissions, and does not include international aviation. This is because emissions from international flights do not currently count in the national inventories of greenhouse gas emissions, there being no international agreement yet on ways of allocating such emissions.

Body Scanners (Paddington Station)

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the use of body scanners at Paddington Station in relation to provisions of the Protection of Children Act 1978.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 14 February 2006
	No assessment has been made, as children were not asked to participate in the trial of screening equipment at Paddington Station.

Bus Travel

Paul Rowen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people were using buses outside London in the last period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Karen Buck: I refer the hon. Member to Table C of the Public Transport Statistics Bulletin GB: 2005 Edition, a copy of which is in the House of Commons Library.

Buses

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether concessionary bus fare schemes operate between local authority areas on the borders of England and Wales.

Karen Buck: The English local authorities have the discretion to offer concessionary public transport into Wales subject to their judgment of local needs and their overall financial priorities. The Welsh scheme, funded by the Welsh Assembly, currently offers some travel into England along selected bus routes.

Buses

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many bus services have been (a) withdrawn and (b) added to service in each financial year since 1 April 1998 (i) in total and (ii) in each traffic area region.

Karen Buck: The following tables show the number of bus services added and withdrawn in each traffic area since 1 April 1998. Over the period, 34,519 were added and 29,058 withdrawn.
	
		
			  1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
			  New Cancelled New Cancelled New Cancelled New Cancelled 
		
		
			 North Eastern Traffic Area 1,127 1,058 669 674 843 697 971 637 
			 North Western Traffic Area 1,243 790 1,077 842 1,147 1,048 933 666 
			 West Midlands Traffic Area 525 495 398 335 482 404 347 307 
			 Welsh Traffic Area 199 111 281 251 278 224 270 202 
			 Eastern Traffic Area 1,117 784 690 727 710 941 767 725 
			 Western Traffic Area 592 394 622 2,518 520 456 568 334 
			 South Eastern & Metropolitan Traffic Area 398 273 256 195 218 222 370 206 
			 Scottish Traffic Area 673 509 763 704 572 578 901 870 
			 Total 5,874 4,414 4,756 6,246 4,770 4,570 5,127 3,947 
		
	
	
		
			  2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
			  New Cancelled New Cancelled New Cancelled 
		
		
			 North Eastern Traffic Area 926 477 772 601 842 589 
			 North Western Traffic Area 1,042 578 990 584 1,066 652 
			 West Midlands Traffic Area 371 510 587 475 561 459 
			 Welsh Traffic Area 313 208 236 162 293 175 
			 Eastern Traffic Area 571 499 670 585 663 542 
			 Western Traffic Area 532 422 652 425 553 404 
			 South Eastern & Metropolitan Traffic Area 275 210 205 121 196 111 
			 Scottish Traffic Area 675 516 540 318 441 258 
			 Total 4,725 3,420 4,652 3,271 4,615 3,190 
			
			 Grand Totals:   
			 New Services 34,519 
			 Cancelled Services 29,058

Catering/Entertainment Contracts

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the total value is of (a) catering and (b) entertainment contracts let by his Department; and what value of such contracts has been let in each nation and region of the UK, including London.

Karen Buck: Catering services in the Department's official staff restaurants are provided by the Department's facilities management contractors. The cost of meals and refreshments etc. provided to staff are recovered through sales and are not a charge to public funds.
	The total cost of catering and entertainment charged to public funds in 2004–05 (including working breakfasts or lunches, refreshments at meetings and official entertainment) was £698,000.
	Expenditure figures for each nation and UK region are not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Civil Servants (Overseas Visits)

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what costs were incurred by his Department as a result of sending civil servants on overseas visits in each of the last 10 years.

Karen Buck: The Department for Transport came into existence in May 2002 as a result of machinery of Government changes, and its accounts were only fully separated from those of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister at the beginning of financial year 2003–04. Information for previous years could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Three of the Departments agencies, DVLA, HA, and VOSA, do not record details of overseas travel separately from other travel and subsistence costs, and the information could be obtained only at disproportionate costs. Figures for the Department and its remaining agencies are contained in the following table:
	
		
			  2003–04 (£) 2004–05 (£) 
		
		
			 DfT (c) 1,682,041 2,102,746 
			 DSA 33,000 29,000 
			 DVLA — — 
			 HA — — 
			 MCA 931,875 1,278,135 
			 VCA 277,000 245,000 
			 VOSA — — 
			 GCDA 157.00 186.00 
		
	
	All travel in the Department and its agencies complied with the requirements of the 'Civil Service Management Code'.

Coach Crashes (School Children)

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many coach crashes involving school children took place in (a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02, (c) 2002–03, (d) 2003–04 and (e) 2004–05; how many have taken place in 2006; how many of those accidents occurred when children were travelling on school holiday trips; and if he will seek to implement a ban on overnight travel by school coach parties as a matter of urgency.

Stephen Ladyman: The number of personal injury road accidents in Great Britain where one or more child bus or coach passengers were killed or injured (all severities), by the light conditions in which the accident occurred, are shown in the table. The numbers are shown for the years 2000 to 2004, the latest year for which figures are available.
	
		Personal injury road accidents involving one or more child (aged 0–15) bus or coach(60) casualties: by light condition, 2000 to 2004
		
			  Year of accident 
			 Light conditions 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 
		
		
			 Daylight 893 923 732 778 727 
			 Darkness 78 87 99 77 69 
			 Total accidents 971 1,010 831 855 796 
		
	
	(60) Buses and coaches with 17 or more passenger seats.
	The 2004 accidents included 57 child fatalities or serious injuries (KSI), 11 of those in hours of darkness. These amount to 0.3 per cent. of all child KSI road casualties.
	No information is available on the number of non-injury coach crashes, or on whether the vehicles involved were being used for the purpose of a school holiday trip.
	We have no plans to implement a ban on overnight travel by school coach parties.

Crescent Link Scheme

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will instruct his Department's Rail Group to consult (a) RailWorld, (b) Peterborough city council, (c) the East of England Development Agency and (d) other local stakeholders on developing the Crescent Link scheme connecting the Nene Valley Railway with Peterborough main railway station.

Derek Twigg: It is for scheme promoters to work with Network Rail to establish the feasibility and a business case for projects of this sort. Peterborough city council and Network Rail are jointly developing a scheme for a major redevelopment of the station area but it is too soon to say whether it will include proposals for the Crescent Link.

Crossrail

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the impact of the increase in estimated costs of the Crossrail project on funding available for infrastructure upgrading, maintenance and development in other parts of the country; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 14 February 2006
	The estimated cost of the Crossrail project remains as set out in the Parliamentary Estimate of Expense accompanying the Crossrail hybrid Bill. The Government will continue to invest significant resources in the rail network.

Crossrail

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the impact of extending the Crossrail project between Reading and Ebbsfleet rather than between Shenfield and Abbey Wood; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 14 February 2006
	The Department for Transport has considered the Crossrail scheme in conjunction with Cross London Rail Links Ltd. (CLRL), the company taking forward the development of Crossrail. CLRL has examined the scope for serving Ebbsfleet and Reading. Their work shows that, in order to serve Ebbsfleet, Crossrail services would need to share tracks with other rail services on the North Kent Line between Abbey Wood and Ebbsfleet. This would involve complex scheduling with an unacceptable risk of disruption to Crossrail's planned high-frequency service pattern. In the case of Reading, significant additional costs and risks would be involved, including line electrification and associated bridge raising. As a result, neither extension was included in the route put forward in the Crossrail hybrid Bill.
	My right hon. Friend recognises, however, that such extensions may fall to be reconsidered at some future date and has therefore agreed to safeguard the extension to Ebbsfleet and to consider revisions to the safeguarding Direction in due course; and he is also considering safeguarding the extension to Reading.

Cycling

Andy Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of his Department's expenditure for 2012 has been committed to projects designed to encourage cycling.

Derek Twigg: Approx £6 million is included in the Olympic transport budget for cycling measures supporting the 2012 Olympic games. This includes about 5Okms of new cycle lanes to connect the London cycling network up to the Olympic venues. This is funded from the £2.375 billion public sector funding package for the Olympics rather than any specific departmental budget.
	In addition, TfL have their own plans to expand the London cycle network to 900km of 'fast, safe, comfortable' cycle routes by 2009.

Departmental Entertainment

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was spent on entertainment by his Department in 2004–05; and how of this sum is accounted for by (a) food, (b) alcohol, (c) staff and (d) accommodation.

Karen Buck: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I have given today to the hon. Member for Na h-Eileanan an Ir (Mr. MacNeil). The costs of (a) food, (b) alcohol, (c) staff and (d) accommodation are not recorded separately and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Staff

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff in his Department are paid on a performance-related basis.

Karen Buck: The pay of staff within the senior civil service includes a mixture of consolidated base pay awards and non-consolidated bonuses both of which are linked to individual performance and delivery.
	For staff outside the senior civil service it is a requirement of pay delegation that reward systems must reflect a close and effective link between pay and performance. This is applicable to all staff and applied within the Department for Transport.

Early Retirement

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many departmental employees have taken early retirement due to ill-health in each of the past five years for which figures are available.

Karen Buck: The Department was created on 29 May 2002 and the numbers of employees who have taken early retirement due to ill-health in each year since then are shown in the table:
	
		
			  Total 
		
		
			 2002 46 
			 2003 31 
			 2004 30 
			 2005 27 
			 Total 134

Free Travel (Greater Manchester)

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate his Department has made of the likely change in bus and Metrolink passenger numbers in the county of Greater Manchester resulting from the introduction of free off-peak travel for pensioners.

Karen Buck: The Government's initial estimate is that between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2007, bus patronage in England will grow by 5.6 per cent. This has not been disaggregated to individual local authority or Passenger Transport Executives. The estimate does not include tram patronage, as this is not part of the statutory minimum entitlement. Any extension to tram services is at the discretion of the local authority based on their judgment of local needs and their overall financial priorities.

Fuel Efficiency

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage change there has been in the fuel efficiency of cars sold in the UK in each year since 1997.

Stephen Ladyman: Figures relating to two methods of measuring fuel efficiency and the annual change in those figures, are set out in the following table. From 1997 until 2000, the percentage changes in new car fuel efficiency are based on data collected by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). From 2001, the calculations are based new car emissions data collected by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
	
		
			  Average miles per gallon (MPG) MPG percentage improvement Average carbon dioxide (CO 2  ) emissions (g/km) CO 2  percentage improvement Diesel car penetration 
		
		
			 1997 35.45 — 189.8 — 17 
			 1998 35.66 0.6 188.4 0.7 16 
			 1999 36.22 1.6 185.0 1.8 14 
			 2000 37.01 2.2 181.0 2.2 14 
			 2001 37.78 2.1 178.0 1.7 18 
			 2002 38.72 2.5 174.8 1.8 24 
			 2003 39.40 1.8 172.7 1.2 27 
			 2004 39.96 1.4 171.3 0.8 32 
			 2005 40.37 1.0 169.7 0.9 36 
		
	
	Diesel fuel contains more carbon per litre than petrol. Thus the increase in diesel car sales over the later periods leads to a greater rate of improvement in MPG (fuel efficiency) than in the more commonly reported measure of grammes per kilometre CO 2 .

Network Rail

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what incentives are in place to encourage Network Rail (a) to improve its efficiency and (b) to complete renewals expeditiously.

Derek Twigg: The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has determined, the outputs that Network Rail must deliver in the five-year control period to March 2009, and the associated revenue allowance. This revenue allowance is based on estimates of the expenditure required by a competent and well-managed company to deliver the stated outputs, including an allowance for efficiency savings. As part of this, Network Rail must deliver an efficiency saving of 31 per cent.
	This approach provides strong incentives on Network Rail to improve cost efficiency, as they benefit from reducing expenditure below that assumed in setting its allowed revenues, provided that it delivers its required outputs and does not compromise long-term asset condition and serviceability of the network.
	These incentives for cost efficiency are also reflected in the remuneration arrangements for Network Rail's senior management.
	The main incentive on Network Rail to complete its renewals expeditiously are the conditions of the track access contracts that it enters into with train operating companies. These contracts include a mechanism whereby Network Rail makes compensation payments to train operating companies for changes to train timetables that result from the need for engineering works.

Official Cars

David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many former Ministers, apart from Prime Ministers, have official cars provided for their use; from which administrations; and if he will make a statement.

Karen Buck: holding answer 13 February 2006
	In addition to both former Prime Ministers the GCS provides cars and drivers to three former Ministers, two from Labour administrations and one from a Conservative administration.

Park and Ride Schemes

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment his Department has made of the viability of a park and ride scheme in (a) Tameside metropolitan borough and (b) Stockport metropolitan borough.

Karen Buck: It is for individual local authorities to determine the public transport needs in their region and to match available funding against these requirements.
	At this time there are no planned park and ride sites in either Tameside or Stockport.

Park and Ride Schemes

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) financial and (b) other support his Department is giving to develop park and ride schemes in the Greater Peterborough area.

Karen Buck: The funding support for integrated transport provision provided to Peterborough city council through the local transport capital settlement for each year is shown in the following table. It has been for Peterborough city council to decide how that allocation was spent in line with its local transport plans and its priorities, including provision of park and ride.
	
		Peterborough city council unitary authority(integrated transport block)
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 2006–07 1.867 
			 2005–06 1.900 
			 2004–05 2.187 
			 2003–04 2.196 
			 2002–03 2.000 
			 2001–02 2.000

Peterborough Local Transport Plan

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what funding the Government will provide to support the delivery of the Peterborough local transport plan for 2006–07 to 2010–11; and if he will make a statement.

Karen Buck: The Government have made firm allocations for some of the funding support for the Peterborough local transport plan for 2006–07 and set guidelines for 2007–08 to 2010–11. It has allocated a total of £4.076 million for local transport capital works in 2006–07 and set out planning guidelines totalling £10.614 million for 2007–08 to 2010–11. No final allocations of funding support for any major transport schemes in Peterborough for 2006–07 to 2010–11 have yet been made.
	The figures do not include any allowance for the continuation of an exceptionally large capital maintenance scheme, the case for which is currently being considered.

Public Transport (Late Night Provision)

Anne Snelgrove: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to ensure local authorities provide late night public transport for young people.

Karen Buck: Local public transport services are mainly provided by buses. Individual local authorities are responsible for their own decisions on spending on support for local bus services in their area, including those providing late night services. The majority of this expenditure is provided by local authorities from their Revenue Support Grant allocations. Over £300 million was spent by local authorities in support of bus services in 2004–05.
	We recognise the importance to children and young people of a transport system that meets their needs. We commissioned a project to improve our understanding of this issue and to help local authorities when making their spending decisions. A summary of this research will be published shortly on the Department's website.

Railways

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the impact on (a) rail fare prices and (b) rail usage of the abolition of saver fares; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 8 February 2006
	The Strategic Rail Authority's fares review, published in June 2003, concluded that the regulation of saver returns (a leisure fare introduced by British Rail in the 1980s) had caused overcrowding on many long-distance trains and had constrained the introduction of more innovative, customer-focused fares structures. It proposed further work on saver regulation with a view to replacing it in due course with a more appropriate regime. Work is ongoing, but no decision on the future of saver regulation has yet been made.

Railways

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what priority he plans to give to seating capacity on trains when awarding rail franchises.

Derek Twigg: The invitation to tender for each franchise includes a specification setting out the rail services the Government propose to buy through the franchise. This includes service frequency, stopping patterns, journey times and seating capacity. This is particularly important for franchises which have a high proportion of commuter traffic flows. Bidders' proposals have to show how they will meet this specification and delivery of seating capacity is monitored throughout the life of the franchise.

Railways

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of railway fare income has been derived from (a) regulated and (b) unregulated fares for each year since 1994.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 8 February 2006
	The proportion of fares income from regulated and unregulated fares from 2002 is shown in the following table. Data covering 1994–2001 is not available and can only be provided at a disproportionate cost.
	
		Fare type (percentage)
		
			  Regulated Unregulated 
		
		
			 2002 44 56 
			 2003 44 56 
			 2004 44 56 
			 2005 44 56 
		
	
	The proportion of rail fare income from different ticket types has been included in National Rail Trends" (published by Office of Rail Regulation) since January 2002, as part of the rail fares index.

Railways

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what plans he has to introduce double-deck rolling stock on the rail network; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the suitability of the present railway infrastructure to accommodate double-deck rolling stock; which routes would require the least adaption work to accommodate such rolling stock; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 14 February 2006
	The Department for Transport is considering the options for increasing the capacity of the railway network to meet future needs. Double deck trains are being considered as one of the possible long term solutions.
	Work undertaken by the Department for Transport to assess the suitability of UK main lines for double deck trains confirms that a significant number of major structural changes would be needed to accommodate them.

Railways

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether domestic use of Waterloo International terminal is included in the invitation to tender for the South West Trains franchise.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 14 February 2006
	The specification for the new South Western franchise has not yet been finalised, but my right hon. Friend confirmed on 11 October 2005 that the Waterloo International platforms would be used for domestic services when Eurostar services have moved to St. Pancras.

Railways

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many incidents of crime and disorder were reported at each railway station in England between 1997 and 2005; and how much was spent on anti-crime measures for each station over the same period.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 2 February 2006
	The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Thameslink 2000

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the timetable is for the Thameslink 2000 programme; whether there are plans to divide the project into phases; what the timetable is for the provision of a new station at Kings Cross/St Pancras under the programme; what decisions have been made about funding; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: The public inquiry into the Thameslink 2000 project was re-opened between 6 September and 7 December 2005, following the submission of fresh applications by Network Rail to address deficiencies in the scheme identified by the original inquiry.
	The Inspector is currently preparing his report on the re-opened inquiry for submission to the Secretary of State for Transport and the Deputy Prime Minister, who are jointly and severally responsible for determining the various consent applications required to implement the project. We expect to receive the Inspector's report in March. We also expect to receive in the spring a report from London TravelWatch on the railway closures required to implement the project. I cannot at this stage comment on the merits of the scheme, in order not to prejudice the eventual decisions.
	The construction of the Midland Road station at Kings Cross/St Pancras was approved under the CTRL Act. The Secretary of State announced in a written statement on 8 February 2006, Official Report, column 50WS the decision to fit out this station, which should be ready to take its first passengers at the end of 2007.

Transport 2010

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will update Table A3 of the Transport 2010 document (a) in the same format and (b) at current prices.

Karen Buck: The Department for Transport no longer records or plans spending in the same way as presented in Table A3 of 'Transport 2010'.

Transport Research

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research he has commissioned into the likely effects on the environment of encouraging people to use trains instead of short-haul flights.

Karen Buck: The Future of Air Transport white paper studied the scope for rail-air substitution when assessing the need for additional airport capacity. At present rail competes well with air on city centre journeys of two to three hours.
	The Government have also produced estimates of the per passenger kilometre emissions factors for rail and short haul flights, for use by companies to report their greenhouse gas emissions. These are 0.04 kgCO 2 per pass km for rail and 0.15 kgCO 2 per pass km for short haul air. However, these are very sensitive to the assumptions made for passenger occupancy, further details of which are available at:
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/envrp/gas/index.htm

TREASURY

Child Trust Fund Accounts

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many children in the care of Lancashire county council have had Child Trust Fund accounts opened for them.

Ivan Lewis: Figures for accounts opened by HMRC for looked after children by county council could only be produced at disproportionate cost. Details of the total number of Child Trust Fund accounts opened by HMRC for all looked after children will be published along with other annual Child Trust Fund statistics later this year.

EDS

Richard Bacon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information the Office of Government Commerce holds on the total value of contracts awarded to EDS since 14 December 2005.

Dawn Primarolo: The Office of Government Commerce is not aware of any Central Civil Government or public sector contracts being awarded to EDS since 14 December 2005 and therefore does not hold any information on this subject.

EDS

Richard Bacon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many payments HM Revenue and Customs has received from EDS since 14 December 2005 which are pursuant to its compensation agreement with EDS relating to the IT systems developed to support the launch of tax credits; and what the value is of each of these payments.

Dawn Primarolo: The terms of the agreement between HMRC and EDS to settle HMRC's claim for compensation are commercially sensitive and it would be inappropriate to disclose them. Details were provided to the Public Accounts Committee in a recent closed session and further information will be provided by HMRC to the Chairman of the Committee at regular intervals.

HM Revenue and Customs Estate

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the oral answer of 26 January 2006, Official Report, column 1505, on HM Revenue and Customs Estate, if he will list the properties which were sold to Mapeley in 2001 by his Department.

Dawn Primarolo: The following freehold properties were sold to Mapeley under the terms of the STEPS contract in April 2001. The price for the sale was determined by independent valuation advice.
	1Barrack Street, Hamilton, Strathclyde
	1/3 Water Vennel, Perth, Tayside
	11 Chepstow Road, Newport, Gwent
	11–21 Millgate, Newark, Nottinghamshire
	161 Brooms Road, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway
	2 Muiryhall Street, Coatbridge, Strathclyde
	20 Priory Road, Wells, Somerset
	23 Piccadilly, York, North Yorkshire
	24 West Argyle Street, Ullapool, Highland
	34 Southway, Colchester, Essex
	34–36 Wellesley Road, Ashford, Kent
	63 College Street, St. Helens, Merseyside
	8 Ogle Road, Southampton, Hampshire
	9 King Street, Rothesay, Strathclyde
	Newton Road, Sudbury, Suffolk
	Abbey House, Head Street, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
	Accounts Office, St. Mungo's Road, Cumbernauld, Strathclyde
	Albert Bridge House, 1 Bridge Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester
	Albion House, Northway, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
	Anchorage House, High Street, Chatham, Kent
	Auchincraig, Argyll Road, Dunoon, Strathclyde
	Bennfield House, 12 Corporation Street, Rugby, Warwickshire
	Birchen House, 1 Canning Street, Birkenhead, Merseyside
	Bondgate Hall, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, Northumberland
	Boundary House, Cheadle Point, Stockport Road, Cheadle, Cheshire
	Bowback House, 299 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
	Broadway House, 32/35 Broad Street, Hereford, Hereford and Worcester
	Car Park, Portman Road, Ipswich, Suffolk
	Castle Meadow Campus, Castle Meadow Road, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
	Charnwood House, Charnwood Road, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway
	Chaucer House, 12 Viking Way, Erith, Kent
	Chaucer House, Commercial Street, Off Station Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
	Computer Complex, Campfield Road, Shoeburyness, Essex
	Council House, Wagonway Road, Alnwick, Northumberland
	Crown Building, 41–55 Windmill Hill, Ruislip, Greater London
	Crown Building, 47 Clarendon Road, Watford, Hertfordshire
	Crown Building, 51 North Bridge Street, Hawick, Borders
	Crown Building, Alcester Road, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire
	Crown House, 50–52 Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
	Crown House, Birch Street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands
	Crown House, Heaton Street, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire
	Custom House, Gravesend, The Terrace, Gravesend, Kent
	Custom House, 10 Harbour Terrace, Wick, Highland
	Custom House, 18 Quay Walls, Berwick, Northumberland
	Custom House, 90–100 Albion Street, Shoreham, East Sussex
	Custom House, Carnbane Way, Newry, County Down
	Custom House, Main Road, Harwich, Essex
	Custom House, Orchard Place, Southampton, Hampshire
	Custom House, Queens Quay, Londonderry, County Derry
	Custom House, The Parade, Plymouth, Devon
	Custom House, The Strand, Isles of Scilly, Cornwall
	Custom House, View Point Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk
	Customs House, Chaucers Walk, Furthergate Industrial Estate, Blackburn, Lancashire
	Dencora Court, Tylers House, Southend on Sea, Essex
	Dolanog House, 24 Severn Road, Welshpool, Powys
	Dorchester House, 52–58 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim
	Downshire House, Merchants Quay, Newry, County Down
	Dukes House, 34 Hoghton Street, Southport, Merseyside
	Durrington Bridge House, Barrington Road, Worthing, West Sussex
	Eaton Court, 104–112 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire
	Eskdale House, Shap Road, Kendal, Cumbria
	Fern House, 1a Adelaide Avenue, Coleraine, County Derry,
	Foyle House, Duncreggan Road, Londonderry, County Derry
	Garage, 60 Inchinnan Road, Paisley, Strathclyde
	Garage, Portline House, London, Greater London,
	Garrison Point, Sheerness Docks, Sheerness, Kent
	Government Buildings, 1 Cherry Grove, Haverfordwest, Dyfed
	Government Buildings, 48 Free Street, Brecon, Powys
	Government Buildings, Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil, Mid-Glamorgan
	Government Buildings, Holland Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire
	Gracemead House, Woods Avenue, Hatfield, Hertfordshire
	Grayfield House, 5 Bankhead Ave, Edinburgh, Lothian
	Gss Garage, 61–63 Great Suffolk Street, London, Greater London
	Holland House, 17 High St, Spalding, Lincolnshire
	Horsefair House, 35 King Street, Alfreton, Derbyshire
	Huntingdon Court, 90–94 Mansfield Road, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
	Iceni House, Newland Street, Witham, Essex
	Inland Revenue Accounts Office, Victoria Street, Shipley, West Yorkshire
	Inland Revenue House, Parabola Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
	Iro Durrington, Barrington Road, Worthing, West Sussex
	Jephson House, Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
	Joseph Locke House, Heelis Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
	Kew Sorting Centre, Ruskin Avenue, Richmond, Surrey
	Lower Leys, Burford Road, Evesham, Hereford and Worcester
	Lyndhurst House, 120 Bunns Lane, London/Greater London
	Lysnoweth, Infirmary Hill, Truro, Cornwall
	Marress House, Friars Croft, Irvine, Strathclyde
	Meadowbank Street, 15 Meadowbank Street, Dumbarton, Strathclyde
	Medvale House, Mote Road, Maidstone, Kent
	Meldrum House, 15 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh, Lothian
	Merrywalks House, 2 The Hill, Stroud, Gloucestershire
	Moray House, 17 East Cathcart Street, Buckie, Grampian
	North Star House, Great North Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne
	Northbank House, North Road, Bideford, Devon
	Old Meb Buildings, Riddings Road, Ludlow, Shropshire
	Penhaligon House, Trinity Street, St Austell, Cornwall
	Penlowarth, St. Marys Terrace, Penzance, Cornwall
	Phoenix House, 1 Wards Road, Elgin, Grampian
	Piran House, Nettles Hill, Redruth, Cornwall
	Plas Ffynnon, 12/14 Middleton Road, Oswestry, Shropshire
	Pontoon Pier and Jetties, Custom House, Gravesend, Kent
	Portcullis House, 27 Victoria Avenue, Southend, Essex
	Portcullis House, No 4 Gate, Platform Road, Southampton, Hampshire
	Powell House, Church Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
	Priory Court, St. John's Road, Dover, Kent
	Queens Dock, Kings Dock (Off Chaloner Street), Liverpool, Merseyside
	Queensway House, Stewartsfield Way, East Kilbride, Strathclyde
	Revenue Buildings, 13 Chequergate, Louth, Lincolnshire
	Ruby House, 8 Ruby Place, Aberdeen, Grampian
	Saltire House, Pentland Park, Glenrothes, Fife
	Saxon House, 1 Causeway Lane, Leicester, Leicestershire
	Sherborne House, Kingsteignton Road, Newton Abbot, Devon
	Stone Cross House, 21/27 Churchgate, Bolton, Greater Manchester
	Symons House, Belgrave Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire
	The Apex, 2 Brest Road, Plymouth, Devon
	The Watch House, Watch House Lane, Cowes, Isle of Wight
	Towergate Car Park/Garage, 2–16 Pope Street, London, Greater London
	Towergate, 163 Towerbridge Road, London, Greater London
	Towneley House, Kingsway, Burnley, Lancashire
	Ty Glas, Ty Glas Road, Cardiff, South Glamorgan
	Ty Glyn, High Street, Bangor, Gwynedd
	Ty Moelwyn, Britannia Terrace, Porthmadog, Gwynedd
	Ty Nant, 180 High Street, Swansea, West Glamorgan
	Vespasian House, Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset
	Warwick House, Grantham Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
	Westgate House, North Street, Bridgwater, Somerset
	Woolwich Crown Building, 48 Woolwich New Road, London, Greater London
	York Place, 44 York Place, Edinburgh, Lothian

Insurance Premium Tax

Gregory Barker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  whether he plans to bring forward reforms of insurance premium tax to reduce fraud;
	(2)  how much money has been spent on investigating cases of alleged fraud in connection with insurance premium tax; and how much he expects will be spent in each of the next three years.

Ivan Lewis: There is no evidence of continuing or growing levels of fraud relating to insurance premium tax. The Government keeps all taxes under review with any changes being announced as part of the normal Budget process.
	Investigations into alleged insurance premium tax (IPT) fraud are carried out as part of HM Revenue and Customs' risk-based compliance strategy. The cost of investigating alleged IPT fraud is not separately identified.

Iraq

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answers of 7 February 2006, Official Report, column 119W, and 26 January 2006, Official Report, column 2260W, on Iraq and the Ministry of Defence press release of 28 September 2005, entitled 2005 UK Defence Statistics, if he will update the figures provided on 26 January 2006 to include the cost of combat operations; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave him on 26 January 2006, Official Report, columns 2260–61W, which includes the net additional costs of all operations in Iraq.

Tax Credits

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families have received child and working tax credits awards of (a) less than £1,000, (b) £1,000 to £2,499, (c) £2,500 to £4,999, (d) £5,000 to £9,999 and (e) over £10,000, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

Dawn Primarolo: The number of in-work families with average level of entitlement above the family element and at the family element or below in 2003–04 are published in Child and Working Tax Credits Statistics. Finalised Annual Awards 2003–04". Estimates of awards by entitlement by constituency, which are particularly subject to sampling uncertainty, have been placed in the House of Commons Library.

Tax Credits

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff in his Department have been working on fraud in the tax credit system in each month since April 2003.

Dawn Primarolo: holding answer 24 January 2006
	I refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply to the hon. Member for Northavon, Official Report, 24 February 2005, column 766W. It would be inappropriate to disclose detailed information relating to staff engaged in working on fraud on the tax credit system as to do so could provide assistance to those engaged in criminal activity.

Tax Credits

Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in how many of the total number of cases of tax credit overpayments where recovery has been disputed since October 2005, recovery was suspended pending the result of the dispute; and in what proportion suspension took place (a) one week, (b) two weeks, (c) three weeks, (d) four weeks, (e) five weeks and (f) six weeks and over after notice of the dispute was first received by HM Revenue and Customs.

Dawn Primarolo: holding answer 26 January
	HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) does not keep management information at the level requested by my right hon. Friend.
	Following the introduction of the new procedures, referred to in my written answer of 2 December 2005, Official Report, column 805W, HMRC suspended around 32,000 disputed overpayment cases by the end of November 2005. The number of cases suspended in December is not yet available.
	Where HMRC cannot resolve a dispute straight away, it will suspend recovery in all cases in around five-10 working days.
	The tax credit office is making progress towards its target of making decisions on disputed cases within four weeks.

Tax Credits

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families in Denton and Reddish constituency receive the (a) child tax credit and (b) working tax credit.

Dawn Primarolo: Estimates for 2003–04 of the numbers of in-work families with tax credits awards by constituency, including information on overpayments and underpayments, based on final family circumstances and incomes for 2003–04 are published in Child and Working Tax Credits. Finalised Awards 2003–04 Geographical Analysis." This publication and provisional estimates for the number of in-work families by constituency with tax credit awards as at selected dates in 2004–05 are available on the HMRC website at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog-stats.htm.

Temporary Migrant Workers

Hywel Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what account is taken in the calculation of mid-year population estimates for Government statistical purposes of the arrival of temporary migrant workers (a) in the UK and (b) in each (i) nation and (ii) region of the UK.

Ivan Lewis: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 16 February 2006
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your question concerning what account is taken in the calculation of mid-year population estimates, of the arrival of temporary migrant workers in the UK (52472).
	The mid-year population estimates (mid-2001 onward) for the UK are based on the 2001 Census, and relate to the usually resident population. Thus they are estimates of people where they usually live, which does not always coincide with the number of persons to be found in an area at a particular point in time.
	The mid-year population estimates include an international migration component, estimated using data mainly from the International Passenger Survey (IPS), together with other data sources. A person is defined as an in-migrant, and therefore usually resident, if they intend to stay in the UK for 12 months or more. This conforms to the UN definition of a long-term migrant, the requirement for which is a stay of at least 12 months. Therefore, temporary migrant workers, who intend to stay in the UK for under one year, are not included in the mid-year resident population estimates.
	Population estimates are calculated using an internationally respected methodology. Further information can be found in the detailed methodology guide 'Making a population estimate in England and Wales'. This is published here: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=575
	Similar definitions to that used in England and Wales are used for Scotland and Northern Ireland. Details on their methods can be obtained by contacting the General Register Office for Scotland or the Northern Ireland Statistical and Research Agency.

Terrorist Activities (Financing)

Phyllis Starkey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will announce the terms of reference of his review of measures to stop exemptions available to charities being abused by those financing terrorist activities; who will carry out the review; who will be consulted on the measures proposed; what safeguards will be included to protect bona fide charities from vexatious allegations; and whether the conclusions of the review will be presented to Parliament.

Ivan Lewis: The structure, focus and membership of a review to safeguard the charitable sector from terrorist finance will be established in consultation with other Government Departments in order to deliver proposals in advance of the Financial Action Task Force's evaluation of UK anti-money laundering and terrorist finance measures scheduled for 2007.
	The review and any subsequent recommendations will be developed in line with Government's Code of Practice on Consultation available through Cabinet Office.

WALES

Citizens Juries

Michael Wills: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on how many occasions his Department consulted citizens' juries on departmental policies in the last five years; in how many of those consultations the recommendations of the citizens' jury differed from existing departmental policy; and on how many occasions departmental policy was changed to reflect the recommendations of the citizens' jury.

Peter Hain: The Wales Office has not used citizens' juries.

Dentistry

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the Health Minister in the National Assembly for Wales Government on the impact of the new dental contract on NHS dentistry in Wales.

Peter Hain: The new Personal Dental Service scheme already has had a significantly positive impact on NHS Dental provision; securing NHS provision for 507,613 existing patients and providing additional access for 153,764 new NHS patients.
	The number of PDS schemes being rolled out across Wales has been increasing every day and these figures will continue to grow as more dental practices take up the PDS schemes.

Departmental Energy Costs

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much was spent by his Department on (a) gas and (b) electricity in 2004–05.

Peter Hain: In 2004–05 the Wales Office expenditure incurred was:
	Gas: £43,199
	Electricity: £30,498

Departmental Entertainment

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much was spent on entertainment by his Department in 2004–05; and how much of that sum is accounted for by (a) food, (b) alcohol, (c) staff and (d) accommodation.

Peter Hain: Total expenditure on ministerial receptions for the Wales Office in 2004–05 was £7,241.00.
	Records for 2004–05 do not allow the costs to be split into categories and this information can be obtained only at a disproportionate cost.

Departmental Staff

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many staff in his Department are paid on a performance-related basis.

Peter Hain: Wales Office staff are employed on either National Assembly for Wales or Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) conditions.
	Staff on loan from the National Assembly for Wales are not subject to performance related pay.
	Staff who are employed on DCA terms and conditions are all subject to performance related pay. New pay, grading and benefit arrangements are due to be introduced for all DCA staff later this year, and performance related pay is likely to be a feature of the new system.

Departmental Staff

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether any (a) employee of his Department, (b) person engaged by his Department as a consultant and (c) paid advisor to his Department is a member of the House of Lords; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: None.

Devolution

Alan Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will include in any referendums under Government of Wales legislation a question asking whether the devolution process should be stopped.

Peter Hain: The Government of Wales Bill aims to develop the current devolution settlement and to make it work better in the interests of the people of Wales. It also provides for the Assembly to acquire primary law-making powers, subject to a referendum. The Government have no plans for putting questions other than this in a referendum.

Fair Trade

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 
	(1)  how much and what proportion of his Department's catering budget was spent on fair trade produce in the last period for which figures are available;
	(2)  what his Department's policy is on the procurement of fair trade produce for consumption on its premises.

Peter Hain: My office does not have a refreshment facility in which it could stock and sell fair trade products.
	The Wales Office procurement policy is linked to the Department of Constitutional Affairs. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of State for Constitutional Affairs (Ms Harman) on 13 February 2006, Official Report, column 1595W.

Freedom of Information Act

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what total sum has been received by his Department for the provision of information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in its first year of operation.

Peter Hain: The Wales Office has not received any monies for providing information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
	Statistics about requests received under the Freedom of Information Act are published by the Department of Constitutional Affairs on a quarterly basis.

Hill Farming

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales Government on hill farming in Wales.

Peter Hain: I have regular meetings with the First Minister to discuss a variety of issues, including farming in Wales.
	In Wales, 80 per cent. of agricultural land is designated as Less Favoured Area (LFA) and the net farm income in real terms for LFA farms for 2004–05 is forecast to be £16,400 compared to £1,600 in 2001–02.
	The Assembly Government is currently consulting on future options for the Tir Mynydd scheme, which is the dedicated financial support scheme that applies to hill farmers. Between 2001 and 2006, it is estimated that payments under Tir Mynydd will have totalled some £230 million.

Pension Liabilities

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the net present value of accrued pension liabilities in respect of (a) present and (b) former employees of his Department and its predecessor.

Peter Hain: The Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme is an unfunded multi-employer defined benefit scheme and individual departments' pension liabilities are not available. The Cabinet Office: Civil Superannuation Resource Accounts for 2004–05 showed that the total pension liability at 31 March 2005 was £84.1 billion. The value of pension liabilities was assessed as follows:
	Liabilities for current members still contributing to the scheme—£37 billion
	deferred pensions and contingent pensions for dependants in respect of members no longer contributing—£12.7 billion
	current pensions for members and contingent pensions for dependants—£34.4 billion
	As a result of a change in the discount rate used for calculating pension liabilities with effect from 1 April 2005, the total pension liability at 1 April 2005 increased by £10.6 billion to £94.7 billion.

Police Reorganisation

Peter Law: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what public opinion surveys have been conducted in Wales on the proposals to merge police authorities.

Peter Hain: None. The current proposals for force restructuring in Wales follow recommendations from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary that the current 43 force structure in England and Wales is no longer fit for purpose, and their conclusion that there is no acceptable alternative to a single Welsh force if the provision of protective services is to be brought up to the required standard.
	My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and I have held wide ranging discussions with hon. Members, key stakeholders and members of the public across Wales about the implications of restructuring. However, my right hon. Friend has made clear that our efforts to close the gap in protective services should not be put at risk by an unnecessarily protracted period of deliberation.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Audible Fire Alarms

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of the premises occupied by his Department is fitted with audible fire alarms.

Anne McGuire: DWP currently occupy 1,648 buildings. With the exception of two sites every building is fitted with an audible fire alarm. The Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) for these sites identified the anomalies, remedial work is in hand and expected to be completed by end of February 2006.

Benefit

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 19 January 2006, Official Report, column 1550W, on benefit, what information his Department does not hold which would be required to estimate the annual cost of raising all housing benefit and council tax benefit earned income disregards to levels commensurate with the real terms value of the disregards in 1988.

James Plaskitt: We do not have available the information on the characteristics of individual claims or claimants that would allow us to calculate this figure on that historical basis.
	If the earnings disregards were raised in 2006 to a level that is commensurate with the real term value of the disregards in 1988, we estimate that the annual cost for 2006 would be £60 million.

Benefit Advice

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will assess the merits of seconding his Department's staff to benefit advice voluntary organisations.

Anne McGuire: The Department for Work and Pensions undertakes outward secondments to the private, voluntary and public sectors. The decision to consider this type of secondment falls directly to each of the Department's business areas and consideration of such secondment opportunities will be for the HR and Work Force Planning Directors of the Department and its agencies.

Benefit Claims

Gwyn Prosser: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the unit cost to the Department is per benefit claim processed.

James Plaskitt: This information is currently not available, however, we anticipate the work to provide unit costs per benefit claim processed to be concluded by March 2006.

Benefit Fraud

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the cost of benefit fraud in (a) Leicester and (b) the UK in each year between 1997 and 2005.

James Plaskitt: The Department produces estimates for the amount overpaid through fraud across the benefits system. Previously published results are in the table.
	
		
			  Estimate of benefit fraud  Comment 
		
		
			 Pre-1998 No overall estimate available. A few isolated reviews of fraud and error in individual benefits were carried out, but there was no systematic attempt to estimate the level of fraud across the whole benefit system. 
			 1998 £2 billion to £7 billion Published in the Green Paper, Beating Fraud is Everyone's Business". Around £2 billion was considered confirmed fraud, with the remaining £5billion coming from cases where there was a suspicion of fraud. 
			 1998–99 to 2002–03 £2 billion per annum A change in methodology in the ongoing measurement system meant that cases were investigated in more detail, and it was no longer appropriate to include cases where fraud was suspected in the headline estimates. Figure rounded to nearest £1.0billion. 
			 2003–04 initial estimate £1.5 billion Figure rounded to nearest £0.5 billion. 
			 2003–04 revised estimate £1.0 billion Figure rounded to nearest £0.1 billion. Development work to improve the quality of the estimate suggested that the original figure was an overstatement. 
			 2004–05 £0.9 billion Figure rounded to nearest £0.1 billion. 
		
	
	It is not possible to provide a breakdown for Leicester due to the sampling methodologies used to produce fraud and error estimates. The sample sizes for individual areas are too small to produce meaningful results.
	In recent years, benefit fraud has been reducing and now stands at £0.9 billion per year—less than one per cent of total benefit expenditure.
	On 13 October 2005, the Department published our achievements in reducing levels of fraud in the benefit system and plans to reduce it further in 'Reducing fraud in the benefit system: Achievements and ambitions'. Copies are available in the Library.

Civil Rights (Disabled People)

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps the Government have taken in the last five years to improve civil rights for people with disabilities.

Anne McGuire: Over the last five years, the Government have significantly extended and improved the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 which provides the basic legislative framework for civil rights for disabled people.
	In 2000 we established the Disability Rights Commission, an independent body charged with promoting equality of opportunity for disabled people.
	From September 2002, we introduced new duties under the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (SENDA) 2001, which amended Part 4 of the DDA to cover all aspects of education.
	In October 2004, we significantly extended the employment provisions of the Act. These changes mean that the employment provisions now apply to small employers and all previously excluded forms of employment, except service in the armed forces.
	They brought an additional 1 million employers and 7 million more jobs within the coverage of the Act. They also extended protection in a number of additional areas, such as outlawing discriminatory job advertisements and disability-related harassment.
	From the same date, we introduced additional protection against disability discrimination in the provisions of goods, services and facilities. Service providers are now under a duty to take reasonable steps to remove, alter, or provide a reasonable means of avoiding, any physical features that make access to their services impossible or unreasonably difficult.
	The passage of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 fulfilled our commitment to provide comprehensive and enforceable civil rights for disabled people. The 2005 Act extended the protection of the 1995 Act to more people with HIV infection, cancer and multiple sclerosis and conferred important new rights in areas such as the use of transport, education, public authority functions, rented and leased premises and community participation. The 2005 Act also introduced a new duty on public authorities to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people. This Disability Equality Duty will apply to the public sector from December this year, and requires authorities ranging from local councils, police forces and health trusts to Government Departments to take the needs of disabled people into account when making decisions. Larger, more significant authorities must publish a Disability Equality Scheme by 4 December 2006 that sets out the steps the authority will take to implement the Disability Equality Duty.

Civil Servants (Overseas Visits)

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what costs were incurred by his Department as a result of sending civil servants on overseas visits in each of the last 10 years.

Anne McGuire: The Department for Work and Pensions was formed in June 2001 from the Department of Social Security and parts of the former Department for Education and Employment including the Employment Service. The available information is in the table. All travel complied with the requirements of the Civil Service Management Code.
	
		
			  Cost of foreign travel (£) 
		
		
			 2002–03 702,767 
			 2003–04 851,841 
			 2004–05 968,779

Council Tax Benefit

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many applicants have had the level of their council tax benefit payments affected by having savings over £3,000 in each year since 1999.

James Plaskitt: For council tax benefit, tariff income applies to all capital held above a prescribed limit. The prescribed limit was increased from £3,000 to £6,000 in April 2001. With the introduction of pension credit in October 2003, local authorities no longer record capital or tariff income amounts for council tax benefit claimants in receipt of pension credit, but rely on assessed income figures provided by the Pension Service.
	The available information is in the table.
	
		Council tax benefit recipients with a tariff income: Great Britain
		
			  Number of recipients 
		
		
			 May 1999 430,000 
			 May 2000 440,000 
			 May2001(61) 209,000 
			 May 2002 237,000 
			 May 2003 257,000 
			 May 2004(62) 164,000 
		
	
	(61) In April 2001 the lower capital limit for council tax benefit recipients increased from £3,000 to £6,000.
	(62) Information on the amount of capital for council tax benefit claimants also in receipt of pension credit is not available from this data source, so it is not possible to calculate how many of these claimants will be affected by tariff income; this figure is an undercount of the actual number subject to tariff income.
	Notes:
	1. The data refers to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple.
	2. Figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand.
	3. Council tax benefit totals exclude any second adult rebate cases.
	Source:
	Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management Information System, Annual 1 per cent. sample, taken in May 1999 to May 2004.

Council Tax Benefit

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many applicants have been refused council tax benefit because they had savings over £16,000 in each year since 1999.

James Plaskitt: The information is not available.

Council Tax Benefit

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many children in (a) Denton and Reddish constituency, (b) Tameside metropolitan borough and (c) Stockport metropolitan borough are (i) entitled to and (ii) receiving council tax benefit.

James Plaskitt: None; nobody under the age of 18 can be a liable person in relation to council tax and council tax benefit can only be paid to a liable person.

Customer Management System

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average time taken for claimants to receive the first payment of benefits has been since the introduction of the Customer Management System computer system.

Margaret Hodge: holding answer 20 December 2005
	The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. She will write to my hon. Friend.
	Letter from Lesley Strathie
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question concerning the average time taken for claimants to receive the first payment of benefits since the introduction of the Customer Management System (CMS). This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	Jobcentre Plus measures how long it takes to clear a benefit claim to the date a decision is taken, and not to when the first payment is received. This is expressed as the Actual Average Clearance Time (AACT). The target clearance times for each of the main benefits are:
	
		
			 Benefit Target AACT (days) 
		
		
			 Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) 12 
			 Income Support (IS) 12 
			 Incapacity Benefit (IB) 19 
		
	
	In 2003/2004, the AACT for JSA was 11 days, and for IS it was10.5 days. In 2004/2005, the respective figures were 12.1 days and 10.8 days.
	For the current year, the latest information on average clearance times of benefits is in the table below:
	
		
			  AACT 
			  October 2005 November 2005 December 2005 
		
		
			 Jobseekers Allowance 15.4 15.6 14.7 
			 Income Support 11.6 11.7 11.6 
			 Incapacity Benefit 15.7 16.1 15.5 
		
	
	I hope this is helpful.

Customer Management System

Anthony D Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many planned job reductions in his Department depend on the successful implementation of the Customer Management computer system.

Margaret Hodge: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. She will write to my hon. Friend.
	Letter from Lesley Strathie
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how many planned job reductions in his Department depend on the successful implementation of the Customer Management computer system. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	The Customer Management System business case, recently given to the Department for Work and Pensions Parliamentary Select Committee, shows a total headcount saving of 1,076 full-time equivalent staff by 2008.
	I hope this is helpful.

Departmental Estate

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what (a) land and (b) property his Department (i) owns and (ii) rents in each constituency; and if he will make a statement.

Anne McGuire: The Department for Work and Pensions does not own or rent any land.
	The Department for Work and Pensions does not own any property, with the exception of one building in Hull where contracts have been exchanged and are due to be completed in February 2006.
	The remainder of the Department's estate has been sold or transferred under a PFI partnership deal to Land Securities Trillium (LST) and in return for the payment of a unitary charge, LST is responsible for providing a full facilities management service across the estate. Therefore, the Department does not rent any properties.
	A list of the estate sold or transferred to LST is not maintained by constituency but by Government office region and it has been placed in the Library.
	This response excludes the Health and Safety Executive, an Executive non- departmental public body and the Rent Service, an Executive agency, as their records are not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Estate

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much was paid by his Department in 2004–05 in rent for properties in (a) total, (b) each (i) region and (ii) nation of the UK and (c) London.

Anne McGuire: The Department's estate has been sold or transferred under a PFI partnership deal to Land Securities Trillium (LST) and in return for the payment of a unitary charge LST is responsible for providing a full facilities management service across the estate. Therefore, the Department did not pay any rent for properties in 2004–05.
	This response excludes The Health and Safety Executive, an Executive non-departmental public body and The Rent Service, an Executive Agency, as their records are not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Estate

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the former (a) buildings and (b) land of (i) his Department and (ii) (A) non-departmental public bodies, (B) agencies and (C) independent statutory bodies for which his Department is responsible which have been sold since 7 May 1997; what the sale price of each (1) was at the time of sale and (2) is at current prices; and whether the money accrued was (x) retained by his Department and (y) claimed by the Treasury.

Anne McGuire: The Department's estate was sold or transferred under a PFI partnership deal to Land Securities Trillium (1ST) in 1998 and extended in 2003. The buildings and their base value are listed in a table that has been placed in the Library. HM Treasury, on behalf of the Department, received a total cash consideration of £350 million for the assets sold or transferred. The additional value of £105 million is being recovered through discounted facilities prices for the serviced accommodation.
	The Department does not hold current market values for the properties and these could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost.
	The Department has sold two buildings outside of the PFI:
	Ranmoor Hall, Sheffield sold for £4.5 million retained by the Department in November 2005
	For completion in February 2006, Storey Street, Hull for £575,000 to be retained by the Department.
	The Department sold one piece of land, at Alvaston Raynesway, which was transferred to LST under the PFI partnership deal for £947,671 in 1998. The Department does not hold a current market value for the land.
	The vast majority of NDPB, agencies and independent statutory bodies are accommodated in the Department's own buildings and separate information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The exception is Remploy Ltd. (a NDPB) and The Rent Service and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (which are agencies).
	Remploy Ltd. has sold buildings and land but they are not able to provide a breakdown in the format requested without incurring disproportionate cost. The information in the table shows all year end disposals of all property and have been inflated using Retail Price Index (RPI) from March in the respective year of disposal. All proceeds have been retained by Remploy.
	
		
			 Property disposals(Total proceeds to) Date Retail Price Index @ disposal Proceeds received Retail Price Index indexed proceeds Current price 
		
		
			 Y.E. 31 March 1998 March 1998 160.8 432,000 88,000 520,000 
			 Y.E. 31.March 1999 March 1999 164.1 2,034,000 366,000 2,400,000 
			 Y.E. 31 March 2000 March 2000 168.4 1,556,000 233,000 1,789,000 
			 Y.E. 31 March 2001 March 2001 172.2 503,000 63,000 566,000 
			 Y.E. 31 March 2002 March 2002 174.5 2,975,000 326,000 3,301,000 
			 Y.E. 31 March 2003 March 2003 179.9 2,583,000 197,000 2,780,000 
			 Y.E. 31 March 2004 March 2004 184.6 1,130,000 55,000 1,185,000 
			 Y.E. 31 March 2005 March 2005 190.5 2,571,000 42,000 2,613,000 
			 30 November 2005 — 193.6 — — — 
		
	
	The Rent Service has provided a nil return.
	In January 2005, HSE sold the land and buildings of the Health & Safety Laboratory (HSL) site at Broad Lane Sheffield as part of the PFI arrangements for a new site for the laboratory at Harpur Hill, Buxton. Receipts, of approximately £6 million, were recycled back into the scheme. HSE does not track property prices and is therefore unable to assess the current value.
	In July 2005, HSE sold a Crown freehold building known as Royal Exchange Building, Sheffield for £530,000, the same as the net book value of the property. There was therefore no gain or loss on disposal. The cash sale provided additional capital spending for HSE. HSE does not track property prices and is therefore unable to assess the current value. HSE has not sold any land.

Departmental Estate

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what (a) land and (b) property his Department owns in Southend West constituency.

Anne McGuire: The Department's estate has been sold or transferred under a PFI partnership deal to Land Securities Trillium (LST) and in return for the payment of a unitary charge LST is responsible for providing a full facilities management service across the estate. Therefore the Department does not own any (a) land or (b) property in the Southend West constituency.
	This response excludes The Health and Safety Executive, an Executive non-departmental public body, and the Rent Service, an Executive agency, as their records are not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Estate

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what (a) land and (b) property is owned by his Department in Castle Point.

Anne McGuire: The Department's estate has been sold or transferred under a PFI partnership deal to Land Securities Trillium (LST) and in return for the payment of a unitary charge LST is responsible for providing a full facilities management service across the estate. Therefore the Department does not own any (a) land or (b) property in the Castle Point constituency.
	This response excludes The Health and Safety Executive, an executive non- departmental public body, and the Rent Service, an Executive agency, as their records are not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Expenditure

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what budget his Department has allocated to (a) press and (b) communications in 2005–06; and how much has been spent in each case.

Anne McGuire: The main communications budget allocation for 2005–06 is £47,692,000 of which £3,561,000 is for press. These figures include both staff and non-staff costs, including all major marketing campaigns. The year to date spend figures to January 2006 are £26,506,000, and £2,497,000 respectively.

Departmental Expenditure

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much his Department spent on end-of-year bonus pay awards for staff in each year since 1997.

Anne McGuire: The Department for Work and Pensions was formed in June 2001 from the Department of Social Security and parts of the former Department for Education and Employment including the Employment Service. Information is therefore only available for the Department from 2002 onwards.
	Performance bonus payments are awarded to employees on the basis of their individual performance. They are paid after the completion of the performance year. The expenditure incurred is as follows:
	
		£ million
		
			  Expenditure incurred on individual bonus payments 
		
		
			 2002 20.9 
			 2003 24.7 
			 2004 37.9 
			 2005 41.9 
		
	
	In addition to individual performance bonus payments, DWP also paid team bonuses to selected units within the Department. The expenditure incurred is as follows:
	
		£ million
		
			  Expenditure incurred on team bonus payments 
		
		
			 2002 7.8 
			 2003 29.4 
			 2004 3.3 
		
	
	No team bonus schemes are currently running.

Departmental Skills Development Plan

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will place in the Library a copy of his Department's Skills Development Plan.

Anne McGuire: A copy of the Department for Work and Pensions Skills Development Plan will be placed in the Library.

Departmental Staff

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many staff have been employed by his central Department in each year since 1996–97 (a) in total, (b) on press and publicity work and (c) on policy work; and if he will make a statement.

Anne McGuire: The Department for Work and Pensions was formed in June 2001 from the Department of Social Security and parts of the former Department for Education and Employment including the Employment Service. Comparable historical staffing information prior to this date is not available.
	Information on the number of staff in the central Department, excluding the Department's agencies is in the following table. The figures include staff engaged on policy development and those employed in corporate and shared services, such as human resources, finance and debt management. The table also includes information on the number of staff employed in the central department on press and publicity work.
	The number of staff currently employed on policy work is 1,233. The number of staff employed on policy work is not available historically.
	
		
			Total central staff Press and publicity staff (included in total staff numbers) 
		
		
			 30 April 2002 14,118 75 
			 31 March 2003 13,898 78 
			 31 March 2004 12,068 90 
			 31 March 2005 11,874 92 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Figures are point in time at the stated dates, are full-time equivalent and include temporary staff.
	2. Figures for 2002 are given as at 30 April, because this is the first point at which data is available for the Department in a form comparable to its current structure.

Departmental Staff

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many people worked for his Department in (a) January 1997 and (b) January 2006;
	(2)  how many people were employed by (a) the Child Support Agency, (b) Jobcentre Plus and (c) other agencies of his Department in (i) January 1997 and (ii) January 2006.

Anne McGuire: The Department for Work and Pensions was formed in June 2001 from the Department of Social Security and parts of the former Department for Education and Employment including the Employment Service. Information on the average number of staff in the Department in each year from 2000–01 to 2005–06 can be found in table 6 of the Department for Work and Pensions departmental report 2005.
	Information on the average number of staff in the former Department of Social Security in each year from 1997–98 until its incorporation into the Department for Work and Pensions can be found in table 10 of the social security departmental report 2001.
	Information on the average number of staff in the former Employment Service in each year from 1997–98 until its incorporation into the Department for Work and Pensions can be found in annex J of the Department for Education and Skills departmental report 2001.
	Each of the reports is available in the Library.
	Information on staffing in the Department's agencies as at 30 November 2005 is in the following table.
	
		
			 Agency Staff 
		
		
			 Jobcentre Plus 73,363 
			 The Pension Service 14,686 
			 Child Support Agency 10,672 
			 Disability and Carers Service 6,490 
			 Appeals Service 763 
			 The Rent Service 682 
		
	
	Note:
	These figures include staff on maternity and other paid leave and are full-time equivalent.

Departmental Staff

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many disciplinary actions against civil servants employed in his Department (a) were commenced and (b) resulted in a sanction being applied in each of the last five years.

Anne McGuire: On the number of disciplinary actions commenced against Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employees.
	Information on the number of disciplinary actions for serious or gross misconduct against DWP employees that resulted in a sanction for the period July 2003 to September 2005 is as follows:
	From July to December 2003 there were 426 cases.
	For the 2004 calendar year there were 920 cases.
	From January to September 2005 there were 603 cases.

Disabled Children

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what action his Department has taken to place disabled children and their families on equal terms with non-disabled children and their families in the 10-year Strategy for Childcare, as recommended by the report by the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit, Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People.

Maria Eagle: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government are committed to ensuring that disabled children benefit from early years support which maximises their outcomes in later life. The Childcare Bill, currently going through Parliament, will help implement key aspects of the 10 year Childcare Strategy. It introduces a new duty for local authorities to provide sufficient child care to meet the needs of working parents, or those making the transition to work. Child care will not be judged as sufficient unless it meets the needs of two groups in particular: disabled children and lower income families. Local authorities will be required to consult parents, providers and the local community to ensure that the needs of all families are taken into account when developing and planning child care services locally.
	The Bill places a duty to improve the outcomes of all young children, and to reduce inequalities between them. When local authorities are considering how to narrow gaps in achievement, they will need to identify the disadvantaged groups relevant to their area. Disabled children are very likely to be among the groups on whom local authorities will need to target resources.
	These new duties will ensure that services for families with disabled children are prioritised and that they are given equal access to high quality and appropriate care.
	Guidance on the inclusion of disabled children in the Sure Start Children's Centres programme was issued in November 2005. It focuses on: the need to consult the parents and carers of disabled children when developing services; mainstreaming the successful Early Support Pilot programme across England, including the use of 'key workers'; the need to provide appropriate family support services including the development of Portage and other home visiting services.

European Court of Human Rights

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many of the 340 widowers who have cases lodged in the European Court of Human Rights have cashed the cheques which the Department sent to them for back payment of benefit.

James Plaskitt: Of the 340 widowers' cases, 95 payments have been issued.
	49 of these payments have been cashed, six have been returned, and 40 remain with the widower or widower's representative awaiting a decision on acceptance.

European Court of Human Rights

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment the Department has made of the merits of mediation as a way of settling the dispute with the 340 widowers who have cases lodged with the European Court of Human Rights.

James Plaskitt: The House of Lords has already dealt with the cases and has provided a judgment. The Department does not consider mediation appropriate to the 340 widowers where such a clear decision has been established. Furthermore, the offer of friendly settlements is based on a previous European Court of Human Rights judgment in the case of Willis, providing an established policy for both parties.

European Court of Human Rights

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many of the 340 widowers with cases against his Department lodged within the European Court of Human Rights have settled their dispute prior to court proceedings.

James Plaskitt: 58 of the 340 widowers have settled their dispute prior to any court proceedings. This includes nine cases settled before the European Court of Human Rights judgment in the case of Willis v. UK

European Court of Human Rights

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department advised those widowers to whom they sent cheques for back payments that they should consult a (a) solicitor, (b) Citizen's Advice Bureau and (c) trade union official prior to settling with his Department.

James Plaskitt: The vast majority of widowers who have an admissible case for discrimination do have a solicitor, legal representative or other representative already in place and acting on their behalf. In these cases, the Department corresponds with the nominated representative and issues the payment in settlement directly to that representative.
	In the cases where a widower is acting on his own behalf, including making a claim to the European Court of Human Rights without any representative, the Department corresponds directly with the widower and issues the payment directly to them. There is no specific note that a widower should consult with a solicitor, Citizens Advice Bureau or trade union official prior to settling with the Department in either case.

Fair Trade

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much and what proportion of his Department's catering budget was spent on fair trade produce in the last period for which figures are available.

Anne McGuire: The information is not available. The Department's estate is managed through a facilities management contract including, where premises allow, catering, and therefore DWP has no direct responsibility for the procurement of catering except on a local level for receptions and meetings. Information systems do not allow us to analyse expenditure on fair trade commodities separately and data could be obtained only by a special exercise to examine both the Department's and our supplier's purchasing transactions. This would incur disproportionate costs.

Fair Trade

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his Department's policy is on the procurement of fair trade produce for consumption on its premises.

Anne McGuire: In line with Government policy the Department is committed to fair trade and ethical supply routes. Where practicable, the Department aims to purchase sustainable produce for sale on departmental premises and for receptions and meetings wherever such produce meets our business requirements and gives at least as good value for money. The Department is working with its facilities management contractor, who provides in house catering services, to consider the feasibility of introducing a target to increase the supply of fair trade goods.

Freedom of Information

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on how many occasions since May 2005 officials in his Department have consulted their Freedom of Information Officer on answers to parliamentary Questions from (a) the hon. Member for Yeovil and (b) all hon. Members.

Anne McGuire: Answers to parliamentary questions are drafted in accordance with Guidance to Officials on Drafting Answers to Parliamentary Questions.
	Information is not held centrally on the number of occasions that officials may have sought advice from the Department's Freedom of Information practitioners.

Housing Benefit

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will publish proposals for housing benefit reform in the social rented sector.

James Plaskitt: There are significant differences between the private rental market and social housing, and between the social housing sectors of the UK devolved administrations. Many complex factors will need to be taken into account before a decision is made on exactly how we take forward reform of housing benefit in this sector.
	This why we are consulting on the direction that any reforms would take in our green paper A New Deal for Welfare: Empowering People to Work" published on 24 January. The consultation period will run until 21 April and a Government response will follow in due course.

Identity Fraud

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what training the Department has provided for (a) front desk and (b) administrative staff in relation to identity fraud.

James Plaskitt: We provide training for staff in relation to identity fraud according to the needs of the role they undertake within the Department. New entrant induction training covers identity issues and security specific training instruction.
	Specialist training is provided for fraud officers and for staff involved in national insurance number allocation work according to their role in the process. In particular, front line staff receive training to provide them with the necessary skills to carry out interviews effectively and to check documents, and specialist identity fraud training is specifically targeted at the needs of fraud officers.
	In addition to training courses, generalist fraud awareness sessions targeted at all staff are provided by the National Identity Fraud Unit.

Incapacity Benefit

Peter Law: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what representations he has received on the proposals to integrate individuals' visits to doctors' surgeries in connection with incapacity to work and evaluation of individuals' ability to work by officials from employment offices based in doctors' surgeries.

Margaret Hodge: Arrangements to pilot employment advisers in GPs' surgeries announced in a new deal for welfare are currently being put in place. This service is being introduced with the full agreement of participating GPs and all referrals are on a voluntary basis. We have made it clear that this service is not about deciding a person's work capability but to provide GPs' with an additional non-medical intervention for their patients. Those representations we have received recognise that employment advice services not only improve an individual's ability to achieve a return to work, but can also have a positive impact on their health and well being.

Incapacity Benefit

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of lone parents claiming incapacity benefit moved to incapacity benefit from Jobseeker's Allowance in each year since 1997.

James Plaskitt: The information is not available.

Maternity Pay

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will introduce proposals to amend legislation to enable women who return to work immediately after giving birth on a part-time basis to claim a full-time salary or full-time maternity pay.

Anne McGuire: There are no plans to introduce a proposal to allow women who return to work on a part-time basis immediately after giving birth, to claim a full-time salary or to claim a full-time maternity pay.

New Deal/Workstep

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many people in Beverley and Holderness registered on the new deal for disabled people programme found work in the last five years;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the new deal for disabled people programme.

Margaret Hodge: The new deal for disabled people (NDDP) programme is designed to support disabled people and people with health conditions in finding and sustaining paid employment. The programme has been extended to 2007, and, so far, it has been successful in helping more than 83,000 people into work, of whom 65 per cent. have enjoyed sustained employment. Information on the numbers of people helped into work through the programme is not available at constituency level.
	The majority of disabled people who move into work through NDDP do so in the first few months of registering on the programme, almost half in the first month, and 70 per cent. in the first three months. People participating on the programme, and those moving into work, have a wide range of health conditions and disabilities, which demonstrates the flexibility and responsiveness of this programme. The majority of participants have positive views about the services they receive through the programme and of working with NDDP Job Brokers.
	We know that the benefits to the economy and society as a whole from more disabled people being helped into work outweigh the costs of running the programme. We are currently evaluating the effectiveness of NDDP and will publish results in the autumn. We have placed in the Library those reports on the programme listed which have already been published.
	Employers and the New Deal for Disabled People: Qualitative Research: First Wave (2003) J. Aston et al, DWP Research Report WAE 145, March 2003
	Employers and the New Deal for Disabled People: Qualitative Research Wave 2 (2005). J Aston et al, DWP Research Report 231, February 2005
	New Deal for Disabled People National Extension: Findings from the First Wave of Qualitative Research with Clients, Job Brokers and Jobcentre Plus Staff. A. Corden et al. DWP Research Report W169, October 2003
	New Deal for Disabled People Evaluation: Eligible Population Survey Wave 1. Woodward, C, Kazimirski, A, Shaw, A and Pires, C. DWP Research Report W170, October 2003
	New Deal for Disabled People National Extension: First Wave of the First Cohort of the Survey of Registrants, (2003) K. Ashworth et al. DWP Research Report W180: December 2003
	New Deal for Disabled People: Survey of Registrants—Cohort 1, Waves 1 and 2 (2004). L Adelman et al, DWP Research Report W213: December 2004
	New Deal for Disabled People Evaluation: Registrants' Survey—Merged Cohorts (cohorts one and two) (2005). A Kazimirski et al. DWP Research Report 260 (July 2005)
	New Deal for Disabled People: First Synthesis Report, Bruce Stafford et al., DWP Research Report August 2004
	New Deal for Disabled People: Report of the Survey of Job Brokers, Siobhan McDonald, Abigail Davis and Bruce Stafford, DWP Research Report W197, August 2004
	Tests of Nonexperimental Methods for Evaluating the Impact of the New Deal for Disabled People, Larry Orr, Steve Bell and Robert Kornfeld, DWP In House Research Report W198, August 2004
	New Deal for Disabled People: An in-depth study of Job Broker service delivery (2005). J. Lewis et al. DWP Research Report 246, February 2005
	New Deal for Disabled People: Survey of Employers (2005) N. Meagher et al. DWP Research Report 301, November 2005

New Deal/Workstep

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have been assisted by the new deal for musicians; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: New deal for musicians is intended to help unemployed aspiring musicians into a sustainable career in the music industry, either as artists under contract or self-employed artists within the music industry. It is available to jobseekers who are eligible for either new deal for young people or new deal 25 plus. Up to the end of November, new deal for musicians had helped 3,880 people into unsubsidised employment.

New Deal/Workstep

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to extend (a) the new deal for disabled people and (b) Workstep to help people back into work in Tamworth; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: Contracts for the new deal for disabled people and Workstep are now being extended, where necessary, to 31 March 2007. We are currently considering the future of this provision alongside the range of disability employment programmes to ensure they continue to meet the needs of disabled people, including those in Tamworth.
	As outlined in Chapter 5 of our Welfare Reform Green Paper 'A new deal for welfare: Empowering people to work', we are reviewing our employment services for disabled people and intend to consult with key stakeholders on our proposals later in the year.
	Our proposals in the Green Paper are based on our successful Pathways to Work pilots which we will be extending across the country by 2008, and in Tamworth in October of this year. The Pathways pilots have achieved over 21,000 job entries in total with very positive feedback from claimants, advisers and partners. We are already seeing an eight percentage points increase in off-flows from incapacity benefit at six months compared with non-Pathways areas.

Occupational Pension Schemes (Beverley and Holderness)

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many occupational pension schemes in Beverley and Holderness have fully wound up since 1997; and how many are in the process of winding up.

Stephen Timms: The information is not available.

Overpayments

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his latest estimate is of the amount of overpayments made owing to official error in each social security benefit paid by his Department in each of the last six years; and if he will make a statement.

James Plaskitt: The Department publishes National Statistics reports including estimates of overpayments through official error. Estimates for income support (IS), jobseeker's allowance (JSA), pension credit and housing benefit (HB) are published every year so these are the benefits where we have most information on changes over time.
	
		IS/JSA/Pension credit official error overpayments fromNational Statistics reports
		
			  IS(63) JSA IS for pensioners/ Pension credit 
		
		
			 October 1997 to September 1998
			 Percentage of benefit overpaid 1.6 4.2 1.6 
			 Overpaid (£ million) 130 150 60 
			 
			 April 1998 to March 1999
			 Percentage of benefit overpaid 1.6 5.6 1.3 
			 Overpaid (£ million) 130 200 50 
			 
			 April 1999 to March 2000
			 Percentage of benefit overpaid 1.5 4.0 1.5 
			 Overpaid (£ million) 130 130 60 
			 
			 April 2000 to March 2001
			 Percentage of benefit overpaid 1.3 2.8 1.2 
			 Overpaid (£ million) 120 80 50 
			 
			 April 2001 to March 2002
			 Percentage of benefit overpaid 1.3 3.5 0.8 
			 Overpaid (£ million) 130 90 40 
			 
			 April 2002 to March 2003
			 Percentage of benefit overpaid 1.4 4.2 1.0 
			 Overpaid (£ million) 140 110 50 
			 
			 April 2003 to March 2004
			 Percentage of benefit overpaid 1.8 3.8 2.1 
			 Overpaid (£ million) 190 100 100 
			 
			 April 2004 to March 2005
			 Percentage of benefit overpaid 1.9 2.3 2.1 
			 Overpaid (£ million) 200 50 130 
		
	
	(63) Not including pensioners.
	Notes:
	The figures for April 2003 to March 2004 and April 2004 to March 2005 in the table have been adjusted for data quality problems found. Previous figures have not been adjusted in this way as there is not enough information available to do so. The tables therefore are not all suitable for making reliable comparisons over time but give a reference of our best estimate of these overpayment figures in each year. Confidence intervals are not provided in these tables although are typically around +—20 to 30 per cent. of the central estimates.
	
		Housing benefit (HB) official error overpayments fromNational Statistics reports
		
			  Percentage/£ million 
		
		
			 April 2002 to March 2003 1.1 
			 Percentage of benefit overpaid  
			 Overpaid (£ million) 140 
			   
			 April 2003 to March 2004  
			 Percentage of benefit overpaid 1.2 
			 Overpaid (£ million) 150 
			   
			 April 2004 to March 2005  
			 Percentage of benefit overpaid 1.1 
			 Overpaid (£ million) 150 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The continuous measurement system for fraud and error in housing benefit began in 2001, so earlier comparable results are not available.
	2. Note that these figures are made up of reviews of around 85 per cent. of HB expenditure (used for measuring performance against the relevant PSA target to reduce fraud and error in HB) combined with more approximate estimates of error in the remaining 15 per cent. of expenditure. For further details on this, please see the relevant National Statistics reports.
	The Second National Housing Benefit Accuracy Review, in 1997–98 gave an estimate of £60 million for Official Error, but was based on a different methodology, so the results are not considered comparable with more recent estimates.
	The Department also publishes one to off snapshot reviews. The most recent report covered disability living allowance (DLA) and the official error figures from these are as follows:
	
		2004–05 DLA official error overpayments fromNational Statistics report
		
			  Amount of money overpaid (£ million) Percentage benefit overpaid 
		
		
			 Official Error 60 (20–110) 0.8 (0.3–1.4) 
		
	
	In addition, annual estimates of official error only are made for Short to Term Benefit overpayments (Incapacity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance) and Long to Term Benefit overpayments (Retirement Pension, Widow's Benefit and Bereavement Benefit). Previous results were carried out using a different methodology and are not comparable. The most recent results are shown in the following tables.
	
		Short to term benefits Official Error overpayments
		
			 As at April to March each year: Monetary value (£ million) 
		
		
			 2001–02 43 
			 2002–03 43 
			 2003–04 53 
			 2004–05 (64)104 
		
	
	(64) These estimates are subject to wide margins of error. Our best estimate of STB overpayments for 2004–05 includes a further amount of around £20 million due to incorrectness types not captured under methodology in earlier years.
	
		Long-term benefits Official Error overpayments
		
			 As at April to March each year: Monetary value (£ million) 
		
		
			 2001–02 43 
			 2002–03 14 
			 2003–04 26 
			 2004–05 27 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The sample for long-term benefits is a small one and excludes some types of cases. It provides reassurance that official error on these benefits is a very low proportion of expenditure, but the estimate is only a broad indicator.
	2. As a result of the wide margins of error, the changes over time are not statistically significant.

Pathways to Work

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether the nationwide roll-out of Pathways to Work proposed in the recent Green Paper will apply only to new claimants; and what the estimated cost is of rolling out the scheme nationwide to all existing claimants over the same period.

Margaret Hodge: holding answer 13 February 2006
	We have secured £360 million to complete the national roll-out of Pathways to Work. This is in addition to the £147 million already allocated to complete roll-out to the 21 pilots.
	The support provided through Pathways to Work will, as now in pilot areas, be available to new claimants and existing claimants, but will not be mandatory for existing claimants. In Pathways to Work pilot areas, nearly 10 per cent. of all new participants are voluntary existing claimants.
	All the evidence suggests that the best time to offer advice and support is before an individual loses their job and as quickly as possible after an individual has made a claim to incapacity benefits. But no-one will be left behind and we intend to invite all existing claimants to an interview with an adviser over the next two to three years to ensure they are made fully aware of the support available to them.

Pension Protection Fund

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the estimated liability is for the benefits that will be paid by the Pension Protection Fund if all the pension schemes now in an assessment period are admitted to the Fund.

Stephen Timms: Calculating the value of the various assets and liabilities of the schemes currently in an assessment period is a major part of the ongoing work for the PPF. It is difficult to provide exact figures at this time, since the full valuation information contained within the section 143 valuation is not yet available for those schemes
	However, the PPF have provided the following information:
	As at December 31 there were 40 schemes in assessment. These schemes had approximately 21,575 members. Assets in the schemes totalled £1,027 million, with estimated Pension Protection Fund liabilities of £1,417 million providing an estimated deficit of £389 million. Clearer figures will emerge as those schemes complete the assessment period.

Pension Protection Fund

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what representations he has received from the European Commission on the compatibility of the provisions of the Pensions Protection Fund with Article 8 of the European Insolvency Rights Directive.

Stephen Timms: None.
	The Commission is, however, in the process of reviewing how the complete regulatory framework of all member states complies with the Directive. The Commission has asked member states for information on how they comply with the Directive, before it can establish an opinion about the overall compliance with the Directive. It plans to issue a report on the implementation of Article 8 of the Directive in all member states, in the first half of 2006. This report will also include an evaluation of the UK regulatory system in force at present.

Pensions

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average percentage increase in the standard single pension for senior citizens is in 2006.

Stephen Timms: The draft Social Security Benefit Up-rating Order 2006 laid before Parliament on 25 January 2006 provides for State Pensions to be increased by 2.7 per cent. from 10 April 2006 in line with the growth in the Retail Prices Index in the year to September 2005. We expect similar provisions to be made for Northern Ireland.

Pensions Regulator

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what evaluation he has made of the work of the new pensions regulator.

Stephen Timms: I would refer the hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 6 February 2006, Official Report, column 857W.

Post Office Card Account

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the future of the Post Office card account.

James Plaskitt: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws) on 31 January 2006, Official Report, columns 443–44W.

Print/Broadcast Media

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will place in the Library copies of (a) print and (b) broadcast media reports undertaken for his Department since 2002.

Anne McGuire: The Department is committed to the publication of evaluation data and will ensure that all existing media analysis data is placed in the DWP catalogue by April 2006.

Print/Broadcast Media

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department has (a) undertaken and (b) commissioned research into the presence and reporting in the (i) broadcast and (ii) print media of the hon. Member for Yeovil since 5 May.

Anne McGuire: We do not currently evaluate broadcast media coverage.
	Departmental analysis of print media activity monitors coverage of departmental policies and services. Only comments made by the hon. Member in his capacity as Front-Bench spokesman will be included in that analysis.

Rates

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much was paid by his Department in rates to each local authority in the UK in 2004–05; and how much was paid in (a) each (i) nation and (ii) region of the UK and (b) London.

Anne McGuire: The Department's estate has been sold or transferred under a PFI partnership deal to Land Securities Trillium (LST) and in return for the payment of a unitary charge LST is responsible for providing a full facilities management service across the estate. Therefore, the Department is not liable for any business rates.
	However, in a few sites, the Department has an agreement to pay rates in lieu of reduced accommodation charges, where the Department has a tenancy on estate managed by another Government Department. The Department has paid the following amounts to rateable authorities on the general ledger for 2004–05:
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 England 1,701,009 
			 of which:  
			 Paid within London 91,200 
			   
			 Wales 24,920 
			 Scotland 34,024 
		
	
	Please note that this response excludes the Health and Safety Executive, an Executive non-departmental public body and the Rent Service, an Executive agency, as their records are not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Returning to Work

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions he has had with representatives of general practitioners regarding developing their role in supporting patients' return to work; whether these discussions have included proposals for general practitioners to monitor patients' suitability for incapacity benefit; and when he expects to publish the range of initiatives to provide the support to general practitioners necessary to assist patients in returning to work as described in paragraph 2.19 of the White Paper, Our Health, Our Care, Our Say".

Margaret Hodge: The Department is working closely with representatives of General Practitioners in the development of initiatives designed to help GPs support patients with health conditions or disabilities so that they can remain in or return to work.
	Discussions have been held with the General Practitioner Committee of the British Medical Association (BMA) and with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). Discussions have included the role of the GP in providing basic fitness for work advice for patients and in helping more patients manage health conditions so that they can remain in work.
	The White Paper referred to was published by the Secretary of State for Health and in this context the reference on page 29 to initiatives to support GPs was intentionally brief. Our proposed initiatives are set out in greater detail in our recently
	published Green Paper: A New Deal for Welfare: empowering people to work; at page 34 paragraph 43.

Voice Stress Analysis

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what (a) discussions and (b) contract negotiations his Department has held in the last two years with Capita on the use of voice stress software in processing telephone benefit claims;
	(2)  what research his Department has carried out into voice stress analysis in processing benefit claims over the telephone following publication of the report in October 2005 entitled Reducing Fraud in the Benefit System;
	(3)  what payments have been made to (a) Capita and (b) other firms for undertaking trials of voice stress software in his Department for processing telephone benefit claims;
	(4)  what plans he has to trial voice stress software for the processing of telephone benefit claims; and what the likely date is of the (a) commencement and (b) termination of such trials;
	(5)  what trials (a) have been and (b) are being undertaken on the use of voice stress software in processing telephone benefit claims.

James Plaskitt: The Department has not entered into negotiations with, or made payments to, any organisation in relation to voice stress software. The Department is currently considering how the technology might be piloted in order to establish its effectiveness in relation to DWP business. To date no trials have been undertaken and any pilot undertaken will be run in line with DWP procurement guidelines and procedures.

Welfare Reform Green Paper

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how the £360 million announced in his statement on the Welfare Reform Green Paper is to be spent; from which budgets this sum has been drawn; and over what period of time it is to be allocated.

Margaret Hodge: The funding for welfare reform has been drawn from the budgets provided to the Department through the 2004 Spending Review settlement which covered the financial years 2005–06 to 2007–08. Details are available in The departmental report 2005 (Cm 6539) published in June 2005. The £360 million funding is largely to be spent extending the pathways to work programme beyond the pilot areas, and covers 2006–07 and 2007–08.

Winter Fuel Payments

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many individuals received winter fuel payments in each London borough in the last year for which figures are available.

Stephen Timms: The information is in the table.
	
		
			   London GOR Number of individuals receiving a winter fuel payment in winter 2004–05 
		
		
			 Inner London-West  
			 Camden 25,645 
			 City of London 1,090 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 19,550 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 19,065 
			 Wandsworth 33,025 
			 Westminster 25,830 
			   
			 Inner London-East  
			 Hackney 21,380 
			 Haringey 26,785 
			 Islington 22,055 
			 Lambeth 29,355 
			 Lewisham 33,060 
			 Newham 25,775 
			 Southwark 28,255 
			 Tower Hamlets 21,010 
			   
			 Outer London-East and North East  
			 Barking and Dagenham 25,535 
			 Bexley 43,760 
			 Enfield 45,825 
			 Greenwich 32,125 
			 Havering 49,010 
			 Redbridge 39,780 
			 Waltham Forest 31,465 
			   
			 Outer London-South  
			 Bromley 61,845 
			 Croydon 53,205 
			 Kingston upon Thames 23,750 
			 Merton 27,895 
			 Sutton 32,430 
			   
			 Outer London-West and North West  
			 Barnet 53,560 
			 Brent 36,840 
			 Ealing 42,350 
			 Harrow 37,625 
			 Hillingdon 41,785 
			 Hounslow 31,190 
			 Richmond upon Thames 29,255 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 5.
	2. Local authorities are assigned by matching postcodes against the relevant ONS postcode directory.
	Source:
	Information Directorate, 100 per cent. Sample.